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
387-0275-00010
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
Gary R Stefanich
10327 S Ashley Lane
Oak Creek
WI
53154
(414)975-9361
Badger135drvr@yahoo.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.
Gary R Stefanich
10327 S Ashley Lane
Oak Creek
WI
53154
(414)975-9361
Badger135drvr@yahoo.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
4774 Partridge Dr
Tower MN
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?Yes
If Yes, please explain:N/A
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 seasonal cabin which we purchased approximately 3 years ago is 14 ft from the waters edge. It currently has no septic system, however, our intent is to plumb for a shower, toilet and sink. Our request is to "extent" our cabin in length by 10 ft, while not approaching closer to the waters edge nor change the roof line. The addition would be no larger than 200 sq ft. Also we are requesting to add a 6x10 deck to the front of the addition. The completed width of the cabin will be within the 40% lot width. The contour of the 90 ft lot as viewed from the lake, although not considered a "bluff", is a physical impairment for a septic system or any other addition. Furthermore, according to Ms. Sheri Sawatzky, septic designer, the only legal location for the placement of the septic is to the immediate southeast of the dwelling.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.Seasonal family use.
Describe the current use of your property.Seasonal family use.
Describe other alternatives, if any.Build a new structure upon the bluff approximately 90 ft from the waters edge. Although this can be considered an alternative it's a very costly financial burden.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?The proposed use would not negatively impact the area. The proposed addition is consistent with the character of the neighborhood.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.The proposed use would not negatively impact the neighboring properties nor the use of those properties.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.The landscape will not be impacted. I anticipate supporting the addition with several cement slabs (6 inches thick) placed on the topsoil. Additionally, all roof top drainage will be directed away from the dwelling by use of gutters.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.Protecting the family use of great outdoor areas like Lake Vermilion and the BWCA. Also, raising children/grandchildren while respecting the natural gift of the great outdoors and learning life skills such as camping, hunting and fishing. As a matter of fact, we have a large "extended family" in the local area and would like to share our place with all of them. Ironically, my favorite uncle lives next door to us. While serving in the military for over 30 years, I have missed too many opportunities to take advantage of the BWCA while camping there with my now young adult children.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.The cabin has been in the Stefanich family since 1958 and our goal is to continue the family tradition of enjoying the outdoors for decades t come. Our intent is to give the cabin to our two children who have spent countless days in northern Minnesota enjoying what they love to do.
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.
