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.
Matthew
Hall
3763 Sundling Road
Tower
MN
55001
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matthew.f.hall@gmail.com
Any
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
387-0170-00150
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.
No
Enter Applicant Information
Landowner
Matthew Hall
3763 Sundling Road
Tower
MN
55790
(507)251-1679
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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.
Matthew Hall
5475 OSGOOD AVE SOUTH
AFTON
Minnesota
55001
matthew.f.hall@gmail.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
3763 Sundling Road
Tower MN 55790
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.No
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?No
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 seeking a variance from the required 75-foot setback from Lake Vermilion to convert an existing deck into a covered porch. The cabin is currently located 77 feet from the lake, and it has a 12-foot deck off the front that extends into the setback area.
Our goal is to create a more functional, weather-protected, and bug-free area for our young children to play safely. Covering the existing deck is the most practical and least invasive way to achieve this. It allows us to improve the usability of our cabin without extending the roofline across the property or disturbing the ground with new footings or a foundation.
This addition would not increase the footprint or encroach further toward the lake. We are committed to maintaining the character of the property and minimizing any impact on the shoreline.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.Seasonal cabin, recreational use. Personal use only.
Describe the current use of your property.Seasonal cabin, recreational use. Personal use only.
Describe other alternatives, if any.On the east side, the septic line runs from the cabin to the tanks, making construction over that area difficult and potentially problematic for future maintenance. The location of the septic tanks also limits usable space for any addition. On the west side, there is insufficient room for an addition, and there is no entry door on that side of the cabin. Extending the cabin in either direction would require changes to the roofline that would alter the character
of the cabin and diminish the traditional “Up North” feel we value. It would also create an awkward floor plan, forcing people to enter the porch before entering the main living space. Additionally, a side addition would block access for vehicles and equipment needed to reach the shoreline—for example,when removing boat lifts from the lake. From a financial standpoint, constructing a new side addition would cost approximately twice as much as covering the existing deck. For these reasons, converting the current deck into a covered porch is the most logical, cost-effective, and least disruptive solution.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?The proposed covered porch will fit well within the character of the neighborhood and surrounding area. Many nearby properties have similar lake-facing porches or enclosed deck spaces, so our project would be in keeping with the established look and use of seasonal cabins in the area.
Since we are enclosing an existing deck rather than expanding the structure, the visual impact from the lake and neighboring properties will be minimal. In fact, the covered porch would enhance the visual aesthetics of the cabin from the lake by reinforcing the traditional Northwoods cabin feel, rather than altering the roofline or increasing the building footprint.
Overall, this improvement respects the scale and setting of the property and would not negatively impact the views, access, or enjoyment of the lake for others in the area.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.There will be no impact to the neighboring properties with the proposed variance
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.The proposed project will avoid negative impact to the local environment and landscape. The existing deck footings will be reused, and no additional ground disturbance or excavation will be required. The project does not expand the existing footprint, so there will be no further encroachment toward the lakeshore beyond what is already in place.
Additionally, the construction will not impact the septic system or its surrounding area, as no work is planned near the septic tanks or lines. Erosion control measures will be used as needed during construction to ensure shoreline and soil stability are maintained. By building on the current structure, we are choosing the least disruptive option available.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.The variance would allow us to create a covered porch that provides a safe, sheltered play space for our young children, offering protection from insects and potential health concerns related to bug bites and stings. It would also extend the functional use of our cabin into rainy days and shoulder seasons by offering protection from the elements.
This improvement would enhance the comfort, safety, and usability of our seasonal property without expanding the cabin’s footprint or disrupting the surrounding environment.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.Thank you for your consideration.
Matt and Samantha Hall
IF YOU ARE RESPONDING TO A PERMIT VIOLATION, PLEASE ANSWER THESE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Describe your reasons county zoning ordinance requirements were not followed.--
Describe your effort to comply with the ordinance and to obtain a land use permit and/or other required permits.--
Describe any substantial investments, construction and/or repairs made to the property before you discovered you needed a variance.--
If there was construction or repair, on what date did it begin? What date did it end?
Who performed the construction or repair work?--
Was a survey of your property boundaries obtained?--
Prior to the construction or repair work, did you speak with anyone from the Planning and Community Development Department?--
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.
Matthew Hall
3763 Sundling Road
matthew.f.hall@gmail.com
I have read and agree to the statement above.
