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
380-0010-06180
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
MERRILL, JOHN
510 LAKE ST NE
PINE CITY
MN
55063
(320)761-4513
john.she@hotmail.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.
MERRILL, JOHN
510 LAKE ST NE
PINE CITY
MN
55063
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Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
4727 Dow Road
Saginaw, MN 55779
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.3
Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?Yes
If Yes, please explain:Replacement 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.The current home, on this site, is approximately 45' from the shoreline. With the existing setbacks being 100 feet, we are asking for a variance to place a new manufactured home on the same footprint. The existing home will be removed from the property.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.We propose to place a 60' X 28' new manufactured home in place of the 1945 54'X33' existing dwelling. Our lot is 1.04 acres and can easily accommodate a home of this size.
Describe the current use of your property.It is a single family home, built on a slab in 1945. There are two garages and a shed, on site, which will remain.
Describe other alternatives, if any.Applicant did not add comments.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?The new home will blend with the existing adjacent homes. It will not be any closer to the water than the previous dwelling. It will not affect the site lines of either neighboring home. They are closer to the water, on one side and an equal distance on the other.
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 on the neighboring properties The residents, on both sides, have stated that they have no objections to us placing the new home on the old site. They are both willing to write a declaration to that point, if necessary.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.There will be very little impact to the environment and the local landscape. On one, very small evergreen tree might have to be removed, another river birch will be moved and replanted. The old holding tank will be removed and a new larger one will be installed at a greater distance from the shoreline. In the future new trees and shrubs will be planted.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.We hope to maintain the beautiful unimpeded site lines to the lake and the views of the sunset. A newer structure will only enhance the area and be more environmentally safe and sound.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.If we are required to move back, our site lines are drastically reduced. The view of the water now becomes a view of our northern neighbors' house and backyard. Our daughter's home abuts this property; if we must move back, their view of the lake will also be reduced.
Thank you for your consideration.
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.
