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
387-0010-00538
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
Joseph Skofich
618 Indiana Ave
Gilbert
MN
55741
(218)780-2977
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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.
Joseph Skofich
618 Indiana Ave
Gilbert
MN
55741
skofichj@mchsi.com
Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.
Yes
4451 Moccassin Pt Rd
Tower
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.0
Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?No
If Yes, please explain:--
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.Place a pre-built gazebo at a 30' setback from shoreline as mandated by county ordinance at issue is sauna deemed at a 67' setback. The variance would allow a second structure, being the gazebo, to be within the 75' setback from shoreline. to comply with zoning ordinance, the sauna would need to be moved 8 ' which was determined by Planning & Zoning only then would the gazebo be allowed to be placed at the 30' setback and withing the 75' setback from lake shore. It should be noted the sauna was built in 1984 which required a 50' setback. Intended use would be from a screen house and enclosed sitting area. Property would be used as a seasonal residence.
Describe the intended/planned use of the property.Intended use would be for a screen house and enclosed sitting area. Property would be used as a seasonal residence.
Describe the current use of your property.Property is currently used a a seasonal lake residence for lake related recreation.
Describe other alternatives, if any.Gazebo could be located beyond the 75' setback. However, this would put the gazebo in the middle of the property which would be more adversely affect the aesthetic of the of the property since it would be more visible. Putting the gazebo back 75' would also encroach on the septic system with part of the gazebo actually sitting on the mound. Due to contour of the land & mound of the septic, fill would be needed to level the gazebo.
If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?Gazebo is earth tone in color which would blend in with landscape. The Gazebo would be near the treeline making it less visible from the lake. Also, there are trees slightly in front of the gazebo which would make it more hidden.
Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.Neighboring properties are lake residences. The neighbors on the side the gazebo would be located have not expressed any issues regarding the location of the gazebo. There are also tree lines on both sides of the property along property lines making gazebo less visible.
Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.There will be no clearing of trees or landscaping to accommodate gazebo. Proposed location of gazebo is level so little adjustment is required. Gazebo will be properly maintained & no plumbing would be required.
Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.Gazebo would allow owners to more fully enjoy property & lake without negatively affecting property or the public. Gazebo would add to value of property.
Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.Location of gazebo would not adversely affect the property or public Putting the gazebo beyond the 75' setback would take away from the property. Moving the sauna 8' to comply with zoning ordinance, would not only be a financial burden, but also would be negative impact on the property. Also, the sauna was built in 1984 which required a 50' setback.
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.
