5.a Sandstrom Variance Explanation
House Variance Request 7-7, 2021:
Variance Rationale:
We are requesting a variance to build off the property line from the current Scandia
set back rule of 20 feet. The proposed addition will be approximately five feet off the
property line at one point, and will gradually move to an 18 foot set back, as the property
line is at an angle. The property of 12959 was the original parcel. The property to the
North (12937) was split off and includes the original driveway. At that time there was a
significantly smaller set back to build off of a property line in Scandia. Thus, the agreement
upon the placement of the property line when it was split.
The proposed addition would connect to the existing house on the existing garage
location. There is minimal impact with this location since a large portion of it would be on
the current driveway. This design would appeal to the least amount of impact to the
neighbors.
This location is the best for this parcel, as we could not add onto the South side of
the house with a garage due to the septic and gas line. Also, with the proposed location,
it would be more convenient to connect to the electricity. The addition will have overhangs
that match the existing home.
There is a thirty foot easement to the north of the property line, allowing us access
to the shared driveway. With this easement there will always be a thirty foot space
between the two parcels where no one can build. This variance will have a minimal view
to the public, as the building will be approximately 700 feet from the road right of way.
The driveway was original with the property 12959, then split off to the property
12937, now being a shared easement at the recommendation of the City. There have
been multiple calls to the sheriff regarding the residence of 12937 not following the legal
description of the easement and property situations. Due to harassment and lack of
following the legal description of the easement from the residence at 12937, we took it
upon ourselves to put in an additional driveway. We took proactive steps that have
drastically reduced the number of calls. We believe the proposed attachment would
reduce that amount even more.
The property at 12937 to the North of us has a pole building that is not screened.
The neighbors at 12937 complained about our woodpile, and equipment we had in our
yard. Thus, we put up a six foot fence to respect them and abide by the City of Scandia
ordinances. When we filed a complaint about their woodpile and construction equipment
being stored outside, a year and a half ago, this still has not been addressed (Attachment
#2).
The pole building at 12937 houses industrial woodworking equipment and
construction equipment, that when in use can be heard in our home. There are multiple
families and guests that regularly use this equipment and the pole building, not only the
property owners. Thus, creating excessive noise and traffic between our home and the
pole building. Due to the fact that there never was any screening placed between our
property and the pole building when it was constructed, the excessive noise and traffic is
very disruptive to the enjoyment of our property.
Once again, we are choosing to be proactive in the location of this construction
proposal by increasing property values, decreasing noise and creating a greater
separation between the two properties. By granting this variance, we feel it would help
to alleviate the issues above, to allow us to fully enjoy our property. If you have any
questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us: 651-335-1832. Thank you for
your time with this matter.
A survey has been completed for this request.
Attachment #3 Arial view of home
Attachment #4 Complete Legal Description
Attachment #5 Completed survey
Sincerely,
Chris and Erica Sandstrom