08.b1 Fernholz variance narrativeMay 13, 2022
Deck Permit Variance Application
Background
In 2019, we purchased the lake cabin on Big Marine Lake at 19020196th St. N. Marine on St.
Croix, MN.
In 2020, we started looking into the possibility of adding a deck on the lake side. Meetings
and phone conversations with the city staff raised three potential difficulties (paraphrased
below) with the site that would trigger a variance being needed prior to securing a building
permit.
PD 1: The amount of impervious area on a lot cannot exceed 25% of the lot size.
PD2: The set back from the lake is currently less than code minimums.
PD 3: The side set back is currently less than code minimums.
We've included a survey of our lot which includes the amount of impervious area on our lot.
With the proposed deck included with the other impervious area we would not exceed the
25% limit.
PD 2 & 3 were not caused by us and are unique to this lot.
There are decks and screen porches on many cabins/homes in this area of the city that are
either nonconforming to current zoning ordinances or received variances. The proposed
deck would not stand out and would not detract from the character of existing development
in this part of the city. The addition of our proposed deck will not impair any site lines, nor
would it impact the use or enjoyment of neighboring property.
In our earlier discussions with the previous city planner and the retired building inspector
about patios/decks it was determined that we could build a patio/deck without a permit if the
patio/deck was less than 6" off the ground, was not attached to the structure, did not require
footings, and the total impervious area including the patio/deck did not exceed the 25% limit.
We've since learned that this was never an option and thus we're applying for a permit and
variance.
With this background information, we hope you will grant the variance for a deck.
Greg & Karolyn Fernholz