5.b Resolution 07-11-17-02 recommedning approval of variance for 21203 LoftonCITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
PC RESOLUTION NO. 07-11-17-02
APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 21203 LOFTON AVENUE NORTH
WHEREAS, Kevin and Anna Gonzalez have made an application for a Variance to
permit the construction of an accessory building closer to the Lofton Avenue right-of-way than
the primary structure on the parcel; and
WHEREAS, the property is legally described as follows:
SW 1/4 -SE 1/4 EXCEPT PT BEG AT PT ON E LN SD 1/4- 1/4 WHERE NLY R/W LN
HWY 97 INTERS SD E LN THN N ALG E LN OF SD/4 - 1/4 DIST OF 181 FT THN W AT RT
ANG DIST 208.71 FT THN S AT RT ANG 236.4 FT TO SD NLY R/W LN OF SD HWY THN
ELY ALG SD R/W LN TO POB. ALSO EXC: THAT PT THEREOF THAT LIES S OF HWY
97 & E OF LOFTON AVE N SUBJ TO EASE SECTION 17 TOWNSHP 032 RANGE 020; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the request for the Variance at a duly
noticed Public Hearing on July 11, 2017, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY,
MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does recommend that the City Council approve the
variance to allow construction of a 40' x 50' accessory building located a minimum of 78' from
the right-of-way of Lofton Avenue North and a minimum of 27' from the northern property
boundary of the parcel located at 21203 Lofton Avenue North, based on the following findings:
Granting the requested variance is in harmony with the purposes and intent of the
Comprehensive Plan and Development Code because the proposed use is consistent with
the official controls, granting the variance will protect the woodlands and wetlands on the
parcel in harmony with goals in the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed location of the
accessory building is screened to protect views from Lofton Avenue North in compliance
with the official controls, and permitting the accessory building is consistent with goals
of the Exterior Structures standards in the Development Code.
Resolution No.: 07-11-17-02
Page 2 of 3
2. The proposed single-family residential use and accessory structure is a reasonable use of
the property under the Development Code.
3. The practical difficulties are caused by the location of the woodlands and wetlands on the
parcel, and were not created by the property owner.
4. The proposed structure is consistent with the essential character of the surrounding
General Rural District.
5. The request is based on the physical conditions of the property, including the location of
mature woodlands and wetlands, not economic conditions.
6. The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent
properties, substantially increase the congestion of public streets, increase the danger of
fire or endanger public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values in the
neighborhood.
7. The requested variance is the minimum needed to eliminate the practical difficulties and
construct the accessory building in a location that meets the dimensional standards of the
Development Code.
8. The practical difficulty was not related to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the following conditions of approval shall be met:
The location and construction of the accessory building shall be in substantial compliance
with the plans submitted to the City on May 11, 2017.
2. The applicants shall obtain a building permit for the accessory building.
3. The applicants shall obtain a land alteration and grading permit from the City if the area
that will be disturbed for construction exceeds 1,000 square feet.
4. The applicants shall maintain the existing trees and screening along the Lofton Avenue
North right-of-way.
5. The applicants shall pay all fees and escrows associated with their application.
Resolution No.: 07-11-17-02
Page 3 of 3
Adopted by the Scandia Planning Commission this 11th day of July, 2017.
Dan Squyres, Chair
ATTEST:
Neil Soltis, Administrator/Clerk