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.
Jesse
Karich
720 4th St N
Minneapolis
MN
55401
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jtkarich11@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
465-0040-05045
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
Jesse Thomas Karich
720 4th St N
Minneapolis
MN
55401
(612)423-1870
jtkarich11@gmail.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.
Jesse Karich
720 4th St N, 608
Minneapolis
MN
55401
(612)423-1870
jtkarich11@gmail.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
3493 Tamarack Rd, Ely, Mn, 55731
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?No
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.3
Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?Yes
If Yes, please explain:new structure will be 2 bathroom cabin and kitchen, will have licensed septic installer
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.The majority of our land is situated on a bluff. Due to the steep grade and current ordinance, we would need to blast into ledgerock to create a safe foundation for the cabin at the top of the hill. Currently, our neighbors on either side of the property access their land via a zoning variance in which they use a driveway extending through our property. If a cabin was built at the top of the hill, this shared driveway would need to be moved to allow for a new structure to be built. Both a new structure and new road would necessitate clearing large parts of the land. With a variance, the proposed cabin would be situated on land that is mostly clear of trees and no ledgerock.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.The property will continue to be used for seasonal family recreation.
Describe the current use of your property.The property has been gifted three generations in our family and is used for seasonal family recreation
Describe other alternatives, if any.None
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?The proposed low-profile design is a single-slant roof which fits amongst the existing treeline. The outside will be stained/painted natural colors blending into the natural landscape. Compared to neighbors, the elevation and distance from the water is similar and the structure design is of similar or lesser scale than our neighbors in the bay.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.If granted a variance, our two neighbors will not need to consider having a separate driveway built to access their properties. In addition, their sightlines of the lake will not be impacted and the new cabin will blend into the landscape more than if situated at the top of the hill.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.The proposed site for the cabin (with approval) has been cleared of trees for several decades. With the new cabin, there will be an intentional and improved water runoff plan. Currently, there is not a septic system and this will be added with the proposed cabin. Because new driveways will be avoided, there will not be further disruption to the soil because all three neighboring properties will continue to use the original variance-approved driveway.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.By building on the proposed land versus at the top of the hill, we expect more sensitivity to the existing grade, vegetation, and land ecosystem.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.The goal for design and construction is to minimize our impact on the existing landscape. We feel that the proposed cabin location and structural size will result in the least disruption to trees, vegetation, and grade. Both neighbors are aware of plans and are willing to sign a letter stating such. I am process of getting these back from each neighbor and will submit.
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.
Jesse Thomas Karich
jtkarich11@gmail.com
I have read and agree to the statement above.
