6.2. SR 06-18-2007
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Meeting Date
une 18, 2007
Item Number
6.2.
Prepared by
erem Barnhart, Plannin
Reviewed by
Scott Clark, Community Development
Director
Reviewed by
Item Description
Request by Kevin Anderson for Lot Size Variance, Case No. V
07 -03
Action Reauested
Consider appeal of an amended variance to permit a lot split where one of the lots does not meet the
minimum size requirements established by the Zoning Ordinance, section 30-1006.
Bac karound/Discussion
The Board of Adjustments reviewed the variance request by Kevin Anderson to create a lot .91 acres in
size in a 2.5 acre zoning district. This review, including public hearing, was held on May 8, 2007.
At the City Council meeting on May 21, the City Council suggested the applicant alter his request,
creating two lots that more closely fit the requirements of the ordinance. The applicant agreed, proposing
two lots, one 2.5 acres, and the other 2.16 acres. The City Council tabled the discussion to June 18,2007.
The Board of Adjustments has not reviewed the amendment. In an objective review of the variance
request, staff does not feel that the applicant offers sufficient support for a variance, but concedes that
the variance requested does not alter the character of the neighborhood and represents the minimum
amount of variance necessary to gain relief from the ordinance.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
. Location Map
. Amended lot sketch
. Letter of objection
General Information
A Iicant:
Requested Action
Kevin Anderson
Variance from Sec 30-1006 to permit a lot size of 2.16
acres where 2.5 is re uired
Action must be taken on this request by May 26, 2007
MN Statute 15.99 status
location and Size:
Approximately 4.69 acres south ofHwy 10/169, west of
Edison street in the south eastern portion of the
community. .
location Existing Use land Use Plan Designation Current Zoning
Subject Single Family Res Rural Residential (RR) R-ia
Property
North Single Family Res RR R-ia
South Single Family Res RR R-ia
East Single Family Res RR R-ia
West Single Family Res RR R-ia
Overview
The applicant desires to subdivide the property, creating two parcels from the existing 4.69 acre parcel.
The northern parcel would be 39,936 square feet, or .91 acres. (199.68 x 200 feet). Access to the
northern lot is proposed to be from Edison street, which provides the minimum street frontage for the
property. There are no structures on the northern parcel. The southern parcel would be 163,038 square
feet, or 3.74 acres (approximately 816.5 x 199.68). The existing house on this parcel will be retained, and
the existing access onto the property from 154th Avenue will be retained. The property is served by on-
site water and sanitation systems. The Comprehensive Plan does not anticipate the extension of urban
services into the property.
To date, staff has received one written comment against the proposed variance, attached.
Analysis
The Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum of 2.5 acres for single family lots within this district. There is
no way to subdivide the property of 4.69 acres into two 2.5 acre parcels without acquiring additional
property.
There are several purposes behind the establishment of a minimum lot size, including density goals, and
in non services area, adequate space for wells and septic systems. Although a lot split application has not
been received, one of the requirements for that process is to show where two septic fields could be
located on each property.
A portion of the property is also located within the Mississippi wild and scenic river district, which
requires a minimum of 2.5 acre lots for non-riparian lots. The northern quarter of the property falls
outside this district.
Variance Criteria
1. Literal e'?forcement of the ordinance will cause undue hardship.
The requirements for lot size are clearly defined, and not open to interpretation. The applicant
has not demonstrated evidence of a hardship.
2. The hardship is caused ~v special conditions and circumstances, which are peculiar to the properry and the structure
involved and which are not characteristic ~f. or applicable to, other lands or structure in the same area.
The lot is a relatively flat, currently farmed parcel rectangular is shape. There is no uniqueness to
the land warranting a variance from the lot size.
3. The special conditions and circumstances are not a consequence of the petitioner's own action or inaction.
It does not appear that the applicant created the original 4.69 acre parcel; it does not appear that
the applicant purchased the property with the intent to subdivide.
4. The literal application ~f the provisions of this ordinance would deprive the petitioner ~f rights ef!iqyed fry other
tJrotJerties in the same district under the terms of this ordinance.
~ ~ ~
The property owner is afforded rights enjoyed by other R-1a properties, namely the use of the
land for single family residential use. There is no loss of rights by not allowing subdivision of
property not meeting minimum lot size requirements.
5. The variance will not be if!iurious to or adverselY q(fect the health. sqk!J or welfare ~f the residents ~f the city or the
neighborhood where the properry is located and will be in keeping with spirit and intent of the ordinance.
A variance would allow subdivision of lots not meeting minimum standards established by the
zoning ordinance, and with the exception of the on site water and sanitation requirements, its
negative impacts may be negligible, especially from a visual standpoint. The applicant contends
that the character of the neighborhood has been established with the creation of one acre lots or
smaller south and west of the subject property. These lots do range in size from 20,000 to 48,600
square feet, with the average 29,000 square feet. These lots were platted in 1974, as part of the
township, before initiatives to protect the river and soils and maintain a maximum density were
developed.
Summary
It appears that the standards for variance have not been satisfied. While the applicant could pursue the
minimum variance, (one lot at 2.5 acres and the second lot at 2.19 acres) and this may increase on site
septic and water options, the property is not unique and no hardship has been offered indicating support
for a variance.
Board of Adjustments decision
The Board of Adjustment reviewed the request, and felt that the request was not supported by hardship
or uniqueness and felt that was a request out of convenience versus need.
Respectfully Submitted
Jeremy Barnhart, AICP
Planning Manager
Action
Motion by _
Second by _
Vote
Follow Up
City Council Minutes
May 21, 2007, 2007
Page 4
Gary Peterson, 1943 6th Lane-Stated he would be willing to volunteer to assist with
landscaping the median. He stated he supports the prairie plantings because they conserve
funds and water and help promote Energy City.
It was noted that it is cheaper to build new medians then it is to re-do existing ones.
The Council directed staff to find less expensive alternatives for Council consideration.
6.1. Request by Kevin Anderson for Lot Size Variance, Case No. V 07-03-Public Hearing
Mr. Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a variance for a lot split. The Board of
Adjustments denied the variance request because they felt it did not meet the requirements
needed for a variance as outlined in the staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Kevin Anderson, 9927 154th Avenue-Stated most of the properties in the area are less than
one acre. He stated the Wild and Scenic District won't be affected because his parcel will be
three acres.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Farber stated he concurs with the decision of the Board of Adjustment and
felt the applicant could more equally split is parcel to meet the 2 V2 acre requirement.
Councilmember Motin suggested continuing this item to give the applicant a chance to
amend his application.
Mr. Beck suggested this item be continued so that staff could prepare findings to support
and approve the variance on the condition that it be split as Council is requesting. He noted
a 60 day extension letter would need to be sent to the applicant.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO THE JUNE 18,
2007 COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6.2. Request by Dale Beaudry for Lot Split. Case No. LS 07-01-Pub/ic Hearing
Mr. Leeseberg stated the applicant is requesting a lot split as outlined in his staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Farber expressed concerns with a new house not fitting in with the design
of the homes. He questioned if there was anything in the Old Town designation that would
dictate the type of home that could be built.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the current designation is vague but that the Downtown Taskforce is
working on creating some design standards.
Mr. Beck stated they can't enforce anything on this applicant unless they wanted to do a
moratorium.
120
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Location Map
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Case Number: V 07-03
KEVIN/PA TRICIA ANDERSON
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