4. PC Resolution Holker Variance 05.05.20
CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
PC RESOLUTION NO. 2020-06
APPROVING VARIANCE FOR PARCEL 29.032.20.14.0018
LOCATED AT 12140 196TH STREET NORTH
WHEREAS, Jeff Holker has made an application for Variances to side setback and lake
front setback for reconstruction of a residential structure on property identified as PID
29.032.20.14.0018; and
WHEREAS, the property is legally described as follows:
Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Beckstrom Addition, Washington County, MN; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the request for Variances at a duly
noticed Public Hearing on May 5, 2020, and recommended that the City Council approve the
variances with conditions;
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
Variances for side setback and lake setback to permit reconstruction of a residential structure at
12140 196th Street North, based on the following findings:
1. The Comprehensive Plan prioritizes environmental stewardship on lakeside lots. The
applicant proposes to proceed in a manner that keeps alterations and impacts low, due
to the structure’s proximity to the lake. The proposed replacement of the residential
structure with some expansion away from the lake is in general harmony with the
Comprehensive Plan and Development Code.
2. This property is in the General Rural zoning district, which is guided for single-
family residential use. The proposed replacement of an existing residential structure is
a reasonable use in the General Rural District.
3. The practical difficulties that limit the location for a reconstructed home include some
sloped areas on the site, septic and well locations, and the desire to do a partial
reconstruction using the existing structure and foundation, instead of complete
teardown. The practical difficulties are not caused by the current landowner and are
unique to the property.
4. The proposed residential reconstruction would remain in the same location as the
present structure and continue to be a single-family use. The proposed size of the
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reconstructed residence would not be out of scale with the range of house sizes in the
area. Granting the variance would not alter the essential character of the area.
5. The practical difficulties are related to the location of the existing structure and
natural and manmade obstacles that make moving the structure location a challenge.
The practical difficulties are not only economic in nature.
6. The proposed variances for modest expansion of a deck in the side setback area and
for a side addition to the rear of the home within the 100 foot setback area, will not
impair the supply of light or air to adjacent properties, increase congestion, endanger
the public, or substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood.
7. The proposed residential structure will use the existing house foundation and make
modest additions for livability. The most noticeable alteration, requiring a variance,
expands the structure to the south within with 100-foot lake setback area. The
addition is an attached garage angled to the side instead of directly to the rear. This
configuration is proposed in order to provide driveway access around the septic
mound, which takes of much of the lot width along the street. This is the minimum
action required to eliminate the practical difficulty.
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. The location and layout of the residential structure shall be consistent with the plans
submitted to the City of Scandia on March 16, 2020.
2. The applicant shall secure a permit from the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed
District and comply with its requirement.
3. A drainage and utility easement extending from a cross culvert under Lakamaga Trail to a
discharge point on the southern area of the lot shall be dedicated to the City of Scandia
and recorded with Washington County. The exact location will be determined by the
Scandia City Engineer.
4. A grading and erosion control plan shall be submitted to the city for review, showing any
areas of soil disruption, including the garage floor elevation and the grading
limits/elevations/slopes of the new driveway, in order to ensure that drainage is not
directed to the adjacent property.
5. The applicant shall have a drainfield review conducted by Washington County
Environmental to ensure proper function and compliance, unless such a review has been
conducted within the past three (3) years.
6. The applicant shall secure any other relevant State, County and local permits required for
the project.
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7. The applicant shall pay all fees and escrows associated with this application.
Adopted by the Scandia Planning Commission this 5th day of May, 2020.
_________________________________
Dan Squyres, Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Ken Cammilleri, City Administrator