ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MN
PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT
Government Services Center
Government Services Center
320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301
201 South 3rd Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55802
Virginia, MN 55792
(218) 471-7103
(218) 471-7103
VARIANCE REQUEST PERMIT APPLICATION
Your Contact Information.
If the information is not correct, you may need to update your contact information using the 'Maintain Contact Information' option once you have filled out this application.
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General - This application is used to apply for a Land Use Permit. Applicants will need to attach the appropriate worksheet(s) in order to process. Incomplete applications will be returned. Note that the 'clock' does not begin until after payment has been processed for the application. For more information, see our website at:
www.stlouiscountymn.gov/BuildingStructures
560-0015-00460
Is this application being submitted for a Rehearing?
If this application is being submitted because a previous Variance Permit application was denied or disapproved, please select Yes.
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Enter Applicant Information
Landowner
John Hadrava / Michael Wudinich
4303 St Marys Drive
Eveleth
MN
55734
(218)750-7803
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Mailing Address Information.
This address can default from the address you selected. If the values defaulted are not correct, please enter the correct information.
John Hadrava / Michael Wudinich
4303 St Marys Drive
Eveleth
MN
55734
(218)750-7803
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Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
No
US Forest Service
US Forest Service
MN DNR, Area Hydrologist
MN DNR, Area Hydrologist
MN DNR Land and Minerals
MN DNR Land and Minerals
St. Louis County - Duluth
St. Louis County - Duluth
Government Services Center
320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301
St. Louis County - Virginia
St. Louis County - Virginia
Do you have written authorization from the leased property owner?
If Yes, you must attach written authorization form.
How is the property accessed?
Enter Project Information.
If you answered 'Yes' to any of the questions below, it is required that you submit a copy of a septic permit to construct or certificate of compliance approval or municipal/sanitary district approval when applying for a land use permit.
Is this project on a parcel less than 2.5 acres?Yes
Is this project within 300 feet of a stream/river or 1,000 feet of a lake?Yes
Is this project adding a bedroom?
Include home, garage, and accessory dwelling.Yes
Total # of bedrooms on property after project completion.2
Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?No
If Yes, please explain:--
Is this project connected to a municipal or sanitary district system?Yes
VARIANCE REQUEST WORKSHEET
A variance allows the use of property in a manner otherwise forbidden by a zoning ordinance by varying one or more of the performance standards such as lot size, setbacks, etc.
Variances from official zoning controls are defined under Minnesota Statutes 394.27 and require the landowner to prove that the property could not otherwise be used or enjoyed in the proposed way by complying with ordinance requirements and that there will be no negative impact on surrounding properties.
It is advisable that you discuss your request with Planning and Community Development staff prior to submitting the application. Approval or denial of your request is dependent on the justification you provide in answering the questions on this application. For more information, please check our website at: www.stlouiscountymn.gov/VarianceRequired
VARIANCE REQUEST INFORMATION
Complete this form along with the Land Use Permit Application
What kind of variance request is this?
If this is a Variance After the Fact, you must answer additional questions below.
Variance Request
Describe what you are varying from and the situation that makes it difficult to comply with county ordinances.
If your proposal includes a structure, please also list the length, width and height of the structure.We are varying from having two park model trailers on one parcel. We have purchased two park model trailers. We purchased this lot with two trailers on it and we have upgraded these trailers. We are two couples who have purchased this lot together and enjoy having our own trailers for privacy. The park models have been very confusing and we seem to have different definitions on their class depending on who you talk to. Banks don't consider them primary structures, so you can't get a loan for them. Insurance companies insure them under your auto insurance because they have titles and wheels on them.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.Intended/planned use of the property. To enjoy and relax on the weekends together but in our own separate trailers on the lot. Enjoy the lake and its breathtaking beauty.
Describe the current use of your property.Two couples spending weekends at the lake each in the privacy of their own trailer. We both have primary residence in Eveleth paying taxes in both places. We plan on this being our get away for the weekend in the short summer months.
Describe other alternatives, if any.Our alternative would be to build a 24 X 24, two story cabin to share, which we already had an approved permit for. This would be more square footage as each of our park models are under 400 square feet.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?If approved, you can see from the pictures our lot is nicely set up. Our park models blend in with the rest of the area. It is truly an upgrade than the trailers that were there. These park models have siding and shingled roofs so they blend in with the rest of the area homes and cabins. Rustic and green in color to fit in with the lake and woods. Skirting around the outside to hide the wheels and give them a cabin like look in appearance. Many of our neighbors have come over to compliment the look and appearance of our park models.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.o neighboring properties or use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance. These park models are set up at this location set back in proper positions on the lot not to effect, harm, or harbor any of the next-door neighbor's properties. We have not exceeded our boundary lines or changed any landscape or obstructed any visual sights for all neighboring properties. These park models are also in very good condition on the outside to blend and compliment with nature and/or land.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.There would be no known negative impact to the local environment and landscape. No land altering was done to affect landscape and there are no environmental issues with these park model trailers. Both trailers are built to code specifications by law and both units are hooked up to an inspected and certified holding tank for any drainage.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.Expected benefits of a variance to use of this property would be having our separate space that looks great, is efficient,and has less up keep than the other trailers with flat roofs and less quality windows and doors.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.Our space on the lot is neat and clean. Our trailers are not crowded with plenty of spacious outdoor areas and parking. We have been on this property since 2011 and have enjoyed our summer weekends. We have met many good neighbors. We have cleaned and improved our lot each year.
IF YOU ARE RESPONDING TO A PERMIT VIOLATION, PLEASE ANSWER THESE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Describe your reasons county zoning ordinance requirements were not followed.Reasons county zoning ordinance requirements were not followed was because park model units are on a frame with axels and wheels, just like our old 5th wheel and travel trailers are. We considered these park model trailers as the same type of structure that are movable and are not on a slab, basement or any type of permanent foundation. We didn't apply for a permit because we weren't building anything.
Describe your effort to comply with the ordinance and to obtain a land use permit and/or other required permits.Effort to comply with the ordinance and to obtain a land use permit and/or other required permits. Up until we received notice that we could be in violation, we were all unaware we did anything wrong. We file this variance in hope that we can keep what we have. We again, failed to check into the MN and St Louis County laws and statues and are truly sorry for that. We hope this variance will pass and we have learned our lesson.
Describe any substantial investments, construction and/or repairs made to the property before you discovered you needed a variance.Substantial investments are the purchase of the two park model trailers and delivery and set up charges.
If there was construction or repair, on what date did it begin? What date did it end?
Who performed the construction or repair work?N/A
Was a survey of your property boundaries obtained?Yes
Prior to the construction or repair work, did you speak with anyone from the Planning and Community Development Department?No
By submitting this application, I certify and agree that I am the owner or the authorized agent of the owner of the above property, and that all uses will conform to the provisions of St. Louis County. I further certify and agree that I will comply with all conditions imposed in connection with the approval of the application. Applicants may be required to submit additional property descriptions, property surveys, site plans, building plans, and other information before the application is accepted or approved. Intentional or unintentional falsification of this application or any attachments thereto will make the application, any approval of the application and any result invalid. I authorize St. Louis County staff to inspect the property to review the application and for compliance inspections. Furthermore, by submitting this application, I release St. Louis County and its employees from any and all liability and claims for damages to person or property in any manner or form that may arise from the approval of the application or any related plans, the issuance of any resulting permit or the subsequent location, construction, alteration, repair, extension, operation or maintenance of the subject matter of the application.
If your name, contact information or email address have changed, you should update your contact information in the portal by selecting 'Maintain Contact Information' at the top of this page.
I have read and agree to the statement above.
