
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.
Bradley
Flynn
2711 E 7th St
Duluth
MN
55812
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brad@duluthdesigns.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
502-0040-00280
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
Bradley Flynn
2711 E 7th St
Duluth
MN
55812
(218)269-9567
brad@duluthdesigns.com
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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.
Bradley Flynn
2711 E 7th St
Duluth
MN
55812
brad@duluthdesigns.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
8828 W Branch Road
Duluth, MN 55803
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.
3
Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?
Yes
If Yes, please explain:Yes, this will include a utility room containing a pressure tank for the well, along with hot water heater. In addition there is a bathroom with a shower.
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 requesting a variance to make best use of our property which will eventually become our fulltime residence but, right now the structure is too small to accomodate the size of our family and future use. We are asking for consideration to add a 2nd washroom and utility space with a screened porch facing the lake. We are requesting permission for an addition which would be 18' wide by 24' long and 15' high which is 475 square feet when current set backs only allow a 200 square foot addition. This cabin is in excellent condition and was built prior to the current ordinances being in place (1959).
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.
We intend to use the property for family lake recreation and eventually plan to move to this property for full-time lake living - would make this addition very important to support the full and intended use of the property.
Describe the current use of your property.
We just purchased this property and are hoping to add on to support use of the property by our family and as a full-time retirement residence.
Describe other alternatives, if any.
We don't have alternatives.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?
The proposed use fits completely with the character of the neighborhood and the way the neighbors and others around the lake use their properties.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.
Neighboring properties will not be impacted by our addition.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.
We have carefully designed an addition that fits perfectly with the current character and use of the property - just more square feet to suit the size of our family and our hope to move to the lake.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.
The benefit of the variance would support more efficient use of the property that better suits the size of our family and our eventual hope to retire to this property.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.
The current structure is in wonderful condition and has been well loved by the previous family - we're seeking a variance to make the property more well suited for use by our family which is larger than the previous owners. We hope to make memories on this property for years to come and have the deepest appreciation for the lake and neighbors. We appreciate the county's consideration for how this variance could support adequate space and utility for our use of this cherished property.
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.
Bradley Flynn
brad@duluthdesigns.com
I have read and agree to the statement above.