Application 23-001531: Record Inquiry

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Planning and Zoning: Land Use

Inquiry Results

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MN
PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT

Duluth

Virginia

Government Services Center

320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301

201 South 3rd Avenue West

Duluth, MN 55802

Virginia, MN 55792

(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.

First Name: Field is required.

Douglas

Middle Name:--

Last Name: Field is required.

Janzig

Address Line 1: Field is required.

5134 CEDAR RIDGE DR

Address Line 2:--

City:

Hermantown

State/Province: Field is required.

Postal Code: Field is required.

55811

Business Phone: Field is required.

218-343-5400

Mobile Phone:218-343-5400

Home Phone:--

Fax:--

Email Address: Field is recommended.

nancyjanzig@outlook.com

Preferred Contact Method: Field is required.

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

Enter the Primary PIN and Associated PIN (if applicable) of the property to be reviewed.
PIN is found on your Property Tax Statement. For example, 123-1234-12345. Primary PIN: Parcel where Structure/SSTS are located. Associated PIN: Additional and/or adjacent property that you own or that is related to the project.
County Land Explorer: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/explorer
Property Lookup: http://apps.stlouiscountymn.gov/auditor/parcelInfo2005Iframe

Primary PIN Field is required.

660-6000-55700

Associated PINs

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.

Enter Applicant Information

I am a:

Other

Applicant Name: Field is required.

Douglas Janzig

Address Line 1: Field is required.

5134 CEDAR RIDGE DR

Address Line 2:--

City:

Hermantown

State:

Zip:

55811

Primary Phone: Field is required.

218-343-5400

Cell Phone:218-343-5400

Fax:--

Email:nancyjanzig@outlook.com

Contact Person Name: Field is recommended.

Doug or Nancy Janzig

Contact Person Phone: Field is recommended.

(218)343-5400

Mailing Address Information.
This address can default from the address you selected. If the values defaulted are not correct, please enter the correct information.

Same as Applicant address?Yes

Name:

Douglas S. Janzig

Address:

5134 Cedar Ridge Dr

City:

Hermantown

State/Province: Field is required.

Minnesota

Zip:

55811

Primary Phone:(218)343-5400

Cell Phone:218-343-5400

Fax:--

Email:

nancyjanzig@outlook.com

Site Information
If there is no site address, the application will be forwarded to 911/Communications to assign one.

Is there a site address for this property? Field is required.

Yes

Site Address:4902 NW Island Lake Road Duluth, MN 55803

Is this leased property?Yes

Leased From?MN Power

US Forest Service

Superior National Forest

8901 Grand Avenue Place

Duluth, MN 55808

MN Power

Shore Land Traditions

30 West Superior Street

Duluth, MN 55802

MN DNR, Area Hydrologist

7979 Highway 37

Eveleth, MN 55734

MN DNR Land and Minerals

1201 East Highway 2

Grand Rapids, MN 55744

St. Louis County - Duluth

Government Services Center

320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301

Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 725-5000

St. Louis County - Virginia

Land and Minerals

7820 Highway 135

Virginia, MN 55792

(218) 749-7103

Do you have written authorization from the leased property owner?
If Yes, you must attach written authorization form.

How is the property accessed?

Public Road

Private Road

Easement

Water

Other

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.

Does this project include plumbing or pressurized water in proposed structure?

Yes

If Yes, please explain:

There is existing plumbing in the cabin. The new proposed structure will require additional plumbing.

Is this project connected to a municipal or sanitary district system?

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.

We are requesting an area variance for the 100’ shoreline setback, Ordinary High-Water Level (OHWL), requirement, and a height variance for 7% of the new build for our property located at 4902 NW Island Lake Road, Duluth, Minnesota. Due to the lot elevation/grade and locations of the existing well and septic, the footprint of our new home will be centrally located and moved from the existing cabin’s 44’ (+/-) shoreline setback to 50’ from the OHWL. (Exhibit A – Site Plan – Janzig) This elevation/grade also plays a key role in our request for a height variance. (Exhibit B – Contour Map – Janzig) As you can see in Exhibit C - Perimeter Calculation-Janzig, the perimeter of the house is 315’ of which 170’ has a lakeside view. While reviewing this document it is important to note that the area identified as the “Great Room” faces the lake. This is the only area requiring the height variance because it is at 31’ grade to peak; the remaining grade of the house is under 24’. (Exhibit D – Janzig1-Elev1)

Describe the intended/planned use of the property.

Primary residence, family lake home with attached garage for year-round use.

Describe the current use of your property.

Seasonal use cabin on the Island Lake Reservoir, identified as a recreational use lake.

Describe other alternatives, if any.

We collaborated with a designer from the onset of this process who considered options for remodeling and expanding the existing cabin into a year-round home. The original structure was built in the 1950s with two subsequent additions. This resulted in the old roof remaining in the attic space and multiple foundations, crawl space and post and beam. Because of this non-conforming design, there is an increased risk of water damage due to frozen pipes and chances of foundation issues due to the lack of uniformity and quality controls during the building process. In addition to creating structural issues, the current layout and design leave a less-than-desirable interior layout and exterior design. In short, expanding this existing structure would be costly, has limited potential, and would still require a height and shoreline setback variance due to its 44’ +/- location from the OHWL. Therefore, it was determined that a new structure set 50’ from the OHWL was a better alternative and would accomplish the goal of a year-round family lake home. (Exhibit E – Official Survey Drawing – Janzig)

If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area?

5. If approved, how will the proposed use, with the variance, fit into the character of the neighborhood/area? To build a structure that complements both the natural lot layout and adjacent properties, we have designed a ground-level home with a walkout basement versus building a two-story home on a mound. To do so requires us to incorporate a natural slope that falls within the 100-foot setback. (Previous Exhibits A & B) The proposed design is appropriate for the site and completely respectful of the existing homes and cabins, many of which currently deviate from the 100’ shoreline setback requirement. (Exhibits F through O – Sample Site Setbacks - Janzig. These include, but are not limited to the following: 1. 4864 NW Island Lake Road –Exhibit F 2. 4894 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit G 3. 4898 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit H 4. 4936 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit I 5. 4976 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit J 6. 4958 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit K 7. 4966 NW Island Lake Road – Exhibit L 8. 7120 NW Island Lake Drive – Exhibit M 9. 7132 NW Island Lake Drive – Exhibit N 10. 7151 NW Island Lake Drive – Exhibit O . Based on the satellite image map from the St. Louis County Land Explorer (Exhibit P – Property Lease Pin Layout – Janzig) complemented by previous Exhibits F through O, it is apparent that none of the ten properties meet the 100’ OHWL requirement. Source: https://gis.stlouiscountymn.gov/landexplorer/

Describe how neighboring properties and the use of those properties will be impacted by the proposed use with the variance.

There would be limited to no impact on the neighboring properties comprised of single-family homes and cabins. Our 50’ setback from the OHWL places our house at or beyond that of the other structures. In addition, the design of the home will not interfere with our neighbor's line of sight and our conservative approach to tree and natural foliage removal will help to maintain an abundant buffer of space on all sides of the property. Given that there is no other reasonable location on the property due to the elevation/grade, septic and well placement, powerline interference, and the design of the home we feel that our proposed design will improve the value and appearance of the property while at the same time respecting the natural resources. (Previous Exhibits A, B & E)

Describe how negative impact to the local environment and landscape will be avoided.

The proposed structure will be centrally located on the lot to avoid extensive tree removal and retain a privacy buffer for the neighboring properties to the east and west. In addition, we will be removing four buildings, one of which is currently 16’ from the OHWL. (Previous Exhibits A & E). Finally, we plan to replace the eroding and rotting creosote railroad ties with natural rock shoreline riprap as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (Exhibit Q – DNR Shoreline Alterations RipRap – Janzig)

Describe the expected benefits of a variance to use of this property.

We will be enhancing the property by building a family home that complements the uniqueness of the lot while maintaining the natural appearance and character of the lake. This along with the removal of the old railroad ties will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the recreational, natural, and economic values of the surrounding area.

Include additional comments that will clarify your request for the Planning and Community Development staff members and the Board of Adjustment.

We have included a letter and packet provided by our designer, Heather Hiner of Hiner Home Designs, for reference. (Exhibit R – Hiner Home Design Packet - Janzig)

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?

Start Date--

End Date--

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.

Submitted By:Douglas Janzig

Address:5134 CEDAR RIDGE DR

City:Hermantown

State:MN

Postal Code:55811

Email Address:nancyjanzig@outlook.com

I have read and agree to the statement above.

I agree

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MNPLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT

VARIANCE REQUEST PERMIT APPLICATION

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MN
PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT