04-23-2024 BOA MIN
Meeting of the Board of Adjustments
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Members Present: Chair Perry Beise, Commissioner Tony Mauren, Commissioner Eric Johnson,
Commissioner Robert Rydberg, Commissioner Dennis Booth
Members Absent: Commissioner Jill Larson-Vito
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris
Leeseberg, and Sr. Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 06:30 PM by Chair Beise.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the
April 23, 2024, Board of Adjustments Agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. CONSIDER MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the
Consent Agenda items listed below. Motion carried 5-0.
4.1 Board of Adjustments Minutes March 26, 2024
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1 Variance Request: Ivan Foxcroft - 20055 Polk Street NW
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Commissioner Johnson asked what garage dimensions the applicant was allowed without requiring a
variance.
Mr. Leeseberg indicated the largest addition the applicant could construct was 25' x 20'.
Chair Beise opened the public hearing.
Ivan Foxcroft, 20055 Polk Street NW (applicant), explained the reasons behind his request, noting he
Board of Adjustments Minutes
April 23, 2024
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had a family and liked to work on vintage motorcycles. He stated he wanted to stay in the home and
liked the neighborhood, noting the addition would be constructed to be visually appealing in the
neighborhood. He stated his current garage depth didn't support parking a pickup truck unless parked
at an angle. He appreciated the board's review of his request.
Commissioner Mauren asked the applicant and Mr. Foxcrost confirmed the motorcycle repair was just
a hobby, not a business.
Commissioner Rydberg asked Mr. Foxcroft if he could reduce the garage to a 25' x 20' addition, noting
concerns with setting a precedence in the neighborhood.
Mr. Foxcroft stated the depth of the garage was the issue and would like to park other vehicle's in the
garage, thinking about the future family drivers, and wanted to maximize the space.
There being no one else to speak, Chair Beise closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Booth stated he would not support the request.
Commissioner Mauren agreed and stated his same concerns as Commissioner Rydberg in setting a
precedence in the neighborhood. He also felt concerned about current supportive neighbors moving
out of the neighborhood and a new neighbor considering purchasing a house with a garage of this size.
Commissioner Rydberg stated he was also considering the size of the encroachment into the setbacks.
Commissioner Johnson felt the allowed addition would have three garage doors across the front of the
house and alter the character of the locale more than the proposed garage design. He appreciated the
design of this proposed garage as he felt along with the neighbors being in support of the design.
Commissioner Mauren asked about a future use of the garage.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the commission considers approval of a setback number and not a future use of
the space.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to approve the
front and side yard setback variance request by Ivan Foxcroft as outlined in the staff
report. The motion failed 2-3 with Chair Beise and Commissioners Rydberg and Booth
opposing.
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Booth to deny the front
and side yard setback variance by Ivan Foxcroft. The motion carried 3-2 with
Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Mauren opposing.
6. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Booth to adjourn the
Board of Adjustments meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 06:51 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
April 23, 2024
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__________________
Perry Beise, Chair
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk