4.b Resolution 8-07-18 recommending approve of variance from the bluffline setback for a septic systemCITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
PC RESOLUTION NO. 08-07-18-01
APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 23209 ST. CROIX TRAIL NORTH
WHEREAS, the United States National Park Service has made an application for a
Variance from the bluffline setback requirement of the Lower St. Croix River Bluffland and
Shoreland Management Ordinance to replace an existing subsurface septic treatment system in
the same location as the existing septic tank; and
WHEREAS, the property is legally described as follows:
PT GOV LOT 4 TRACT 06-154 BEG AT NE COR LOT 9 PLAT OF CEDARCLIFF ON ST CROIX THN
ALG S LINE OF LOT 8 OF SD SUBD S89DEG02'E 205FT M/L TO W BANK ST CROIX RIVER THN
ALG SD W BANK SLY TO S LN GOV LOT 4 THN ALG SD S LN WLY TO PT 330FT E W LN SD GOV
LOT THN PARL TO & 330FT E OF SD W LN NLY TO INTERS OF WLY PROLONGATION OF S LN
OF LOT 14A OF SD SUBD THN ALG SD WLY PROLONGATION SD S LN & ELY PROLONGATION
OF SD S LN S 89DEG02'E 518FT M/L TO INTERS WITH SLY PROLONGATION OF W LN OF LOT
11 OF SD SUBD THN ALG SD SLY PROLONGATION NLY 65FT M/L TO PT 168.34FT S OF S LN
OF LOT 10 OF SD SUBD THN PARL TO & 168.34FT S OF SD S LN S 89DEG02'E 400FT M/L TO
INTERS WITH SLY PROLONGATION OF E LN OF LOT 11 OF SD SUBD THN ALG SD
PROLONGATION & E LE OF LOTS 11 10 & 9 NOODEG23' E 435FT M/L TO PT OF BEG EXCEPT PT
PLATTED AS CEDARCLIFF ON ST CROIX TOWNSHIP 032 RANGE 019
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the request for the Variance at a duly
noticed Public Hearing on August 7, 2018, 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 approval of a Variance to permit
replacement of an existing subsurface septic treatment system with a new system located
approximately 20 feet from the bluffline on the parcel at 23209 St. Croix Trail North, based on
the following findings:
The proposed variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official
controls based on the finding that there is no location on the parcel where the new
subsurface septic treatment system could be located on suitable soils and meet the bluff
setback requirement; the proposed location will remove the existing cistern near the bluff
and minimize potential impacts to slopes, vegetation, and views from the river; and the
proposed location complies with the other dimensional requirements of the applicable
ordinances and the intent of the official controls.
Resolution No.: 08-07-18-01
Page 2 of 3
2. Septic systems are required for residential structures in the St. Croix Riverway District
and Agriculture Core Zoning District and are a reasonable use.
3. The practical difficulties are unique to the property and were not created by the applicant.
The practical difficulties include the locations of bluffs on most of the area of the parcel
and limited areas of soils suitable for a subsurface septic treatment system. These
practical difficulties limit the location of the septic system to an area that does not meet
the bluff setback requirement.
4. Granting the variance would not alter the essential character of the area. The new
subsurface septic treatment system will not be visible from adjacent properties, and the
placement of the new system in the same location as the existing system will preserve the
existing vegetation on the parcel that screens views from the St. Croix River.
5. The practical difficulties are not related to economic conditions alone, but are caused by
the location of bluffs throughout the parcel and the limited areas of soils on the site that
are suitable for a subsurface septic treatment system.
6. Granting the variance 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 proposed variance is the minimum action required to eliminate the practical
difficulty and address the variance requirements of the Riverway Ordinance. The
location of the new subsurface septic treatment system in the same location as the
existing septic system tank where it meets the other dimensional requirements of the
ordinance will minimize the variance required and minimize the potential impacts to
steep slopes, bluffs, vegetation, and views from the river.
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:
The new structure shall be located and constructed as shown on the site plan and septic
system report submitted to the City on July 13, 2018.
2. The applicant shall obtain an approved septic system permit from Washington County,
and submit a copy of the permit to the City.
3. The applicant shall obtain a Grading/Land Alteration Permit from the City if the project
will excavate, add, or remove ten (10) cubic yards or more of material or disturb six
hundred (600) square feet or more.
4. Engineer shall review the drainage and upland slopes to see if drainage can be diverted
temporarily during construction while final restoration is completed and vegetation is
established.
Resolution No.: 08-07-18-01
Page 3 of 3
5. The applicant shall have best management practices for erosion and sediment control
installed prior to any excavation work.
6. The applicants shall protect vegetation over six (6) inches in diameter to the extent
possible.
7. Site work shall comply with the regulations of the Carnelian -Marine St. Croix Watershed
District, and the applicants shall obtain any required District permits.
8. The applicants shall pay all fees and escrows associated with the variance application.
Adopted by the Scandia Planning Commission this 7th day of August, 2018.
Dan Squyres, Chair
ATTEST:
Neil Soltis, Administrator/Clerk