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
365-6000-02305
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
Jim Jantzen
242 Shamrock Dr.
Mahtomedi
MN
55115
(651)303-1979
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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.
Jim Jantzen
242 Shamrock Dr.
Mahtomedi
MN
55115
(651)303-1979
jijo242@q.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
4998 8th Ave.
Duluth, MN 55803
Yes
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?Yes
If Yes, please explain:new cabin/dwelling
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.55 yr. old cabin is located on Island Lake and does not meet minimum setback requirements from the lake. The existing structure is 36'w x 22' d. Proposing to remove & replace it with a 32'w x 28'd structure on approximately the same footprint. The lot is small & triangular shaped with an irregular shoreline which wraps around the cabin on two sides. Because of the triangular shape there is no way to place a building that's 100 feet from "both" shorelines. The proposed structure would hold to the easterly and northerly boundaries of the existing building. This would allow the southerly building wall to be further from the lake and westerly one to get slightly closer. However the westerly setback is 100' already & the other about 57'. The entire property is well screened by evergreen trees and elevated by topography so there is zero visual encroachment on the lake.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.My wife & I plan to use it as a seasonal, recreational cabin.
Describe the current use of your property.We currently use it as a recreational cabin.
Describe other alternatives, if any.The lot is pie-shaped and small, it's almost an equilateral triangle. The lack of a back lot line limits building site options to the existing location.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?A new structure will be an improvement to the neighborhood in that our cabin is one of the few original structures on Bear Island that hasn't been updated or replaced. Our immediate neighbors on both sides, Lukovsky & Christian, have remodeled their homes/cabins and would welcome the replacement of our cabin which tends towards being an eyesore.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.There shouldn't be any impact on our neighbor's properties or how they are used. The building site we are proposing is the same as existing cabin & is not in their sight lines. Christian is at a lower elevation & closer to the lake and Lukovsky is actually behind us, has minimal windows towards us, & faces the lake at a different angle. Both neighbors are screened by brush & trees during the summer.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.There will be site prep for a cement slab but no basement excavation and minimal tree removal, possible one or two close to building site.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.Present cabin is 55+ years old and showing signs of deterioration. The new structure will meet current building codes. It will have a solid foundation, 8' walls, and a legally pitched roof. Replacement of existing cabin will enhance property value.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.We are proposing a slight increase in square footage on approximately the same footprint as the existing cabin. It will provide us with a modern, weather tight, vermin free cabin that will blend well with the existing neighborhood and landscape.
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.
I have read and agree to the statement above.
