7.b)5) Res 11-18-14-06 Rodsjo VarianceCITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-14-06
APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 21450 POMROY AVENUE NORTH
WHEREAS, Paul and Susan Rodsjo have made an application for a Variance from the
requirement that accessory structures be located no closer to the road right-of-way than the
principal structure in order to place the Hilltop Tower Barn on their property in a location that is
closer to Pomroy Avenue than the home on their property at 21450 Pomroy Avenue North; and
WHEREAS, the property is legally described as follows:
Troll Landa Lot 1, Block 2; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the request for the Variance at a duly
noticed Public Hearing on October 7, 2014, tabled the request to permit consideration of
ordinance amendments related to the request to permit the structure to exceed the height
permitted by the Development Code, and recommended approval of the ordinance amendments
at their meeting on November 5, 2014; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, that it should
and hereby does recommend approval of a Variance to permit placement of an accessory
structure (Hilltop Tower Barn) approximately 250 feet from the roadway right-of-way on the
parcel at 21450 Pomroy Avenue North, closer to the roadway than the primary structure, based
on the following findings:
1. The request is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official controls.
The Comprehensive Plan and Development Code support single-family residential uses
and related accessory uses in the General Rural district. The Comprehensive Plan
supports the preservation of historic structures in Scandia, and the Hilltop Tower Barn is
consistent with the definition of "historic buildings and structures" in the Development
Code.
2. The proposed use is reasonable under the conditions allowed by the Development Code.
Single-family residences and related accessory structures are reasonable uses in the
General Rural District. The City supports accessory structures that provide storage for
equipment and personal property, to maintain the appearance of neighborhoods in
Scandia.
3. The practical difficulties are unique to the property and were not created by the applicant.
The practical difficulties are created by the location of the existing home, septic system,
and intermittent stream on the parcel.
Resolution No.: 11-18-14-06
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4. Granting the variance would not alter the essential character of the area. Other properties
in the area include single-family homes and accessory structure with similar setbacks
from the roadway. The structure will be screened from view from the roadway and
adjacent parcels by existing vegetation.
5. The practical difficulties are not only economic in nature. The practical difficulties are
related to the location of the existing home, septic system, and intermittent stream on the
parcel, which do not permit the structure to be placed in a location that meets the
ordinance requirements.
6. The proposed location of the accessory structure will not impair the supply of light or air
to adjacent properties. It will not increase congestion, endanger the public, or
substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood.
7. Granting the requested variance is the minimum action required to eliminate the practical
difficulty. Granting the variance for the proposed location of the structure meets the
setback requirements, avoids the septic system and stream, and places the structure in a
location that will be screened from the roadway and neighboring parcels.
8. The variance is not related to a need for direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the following conditions of approval shall be met:
1. Placement and exterior finishing of the Hilltop Tower Barn shall be consistent with the
plans, materials, and colors proposed in the application submitted to the City on
September 13, 2014.
2. The applicants shall obtain a building permit from the City to move the structure.
3. The structure shall be used for personal or agricultural use only. No commercial use or
commercial -related storage is allowed in the structure.
4. The Applicant shall pay all fees and escrows associated with this application.
Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 18th Day of November, 2014.
Randall Simonson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kristina Handt, Administrator/Clerk