Application 26-000213: 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.

Middle Name:--

Last Name: Field is required.

Address Line 1: Field is required.

Address Line 2:--

City:

State/Province: Field is required.

Postal Code: Field is required.

Business Phone: Field is required.

Mobile Phone:--

Home Phone:--

Fax:--

Email Address: Field is recommended.

Preferred Contact Method: Field is required.

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.

317-0030-00070

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:

Landowner

Applicant Name: Field is required.

KRAUSE, LAWRENCE

Address Line 1: Field is required.

1539 BEAR HEAD STATE PARK RD

Address Line 2:--

City:

ELY

State:

Zip:

55731

Primary Phone: Field is required.

(612)868-6096

Cell Phone:--

Fax:--

Email:ldk64enl@gmail.com

Contact Person Name: Field is recommended.

Contact Person Phone: Field is recommended.

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:

KRAUSE, LAWRENCE

Address:

1539 BEAR HEAD STATE PARK RD

City:

ELY

State/Province: Field is required.

Zip:

55731

Primary Phone:--

Cell Phone:--

Fax:--

Email:

ldk64enl@gmail.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:1539 Bear Head State Park RD Ely, MN

Is this leased property?No

Leased From?--

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.

Total # of bedrooms on property after project completion.

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

Yes

If Yes, please explain:

Currently has plumbing-would be moving kitchen sink.

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.

This variance is requested to allow for an addition to our existing cabin in order to accommodate safe, functional, year-round living. The original cabin was constructed eighty-plus years ago under building standards that differ from current county codes, particularly in terms of setback and spatial design. The current structure's narrow width and small footprint make it challenging to comply fully with modern requirements while providing the necessary space for multi-generational use. For example, a sleeping loft is essential to accommodate our growing family safely, but the existing layout and footprint make this impossible to achieve without exceeding certain dimensional guidelines.

Describe the intended/planned use of the property.

The intended use of the property is to convert our existing cabin into a modest, year-round single-family lake home. The current structure is approximately the size of a mobile home and was not designed for safe or functional four-season living. It currently lacks any consideration for universal design, aging in place, and general visitability thus making long-term use challenging. Our proposed addition would allow us to modernize the home, improve safety and accessibility, and create adequate space for our growing family while remaining consistent with the residential character of the surrounding area. This project is not intended for rental or commercial use, but rather to establish a permanent, well-maintained residence that reflects responsible stewardship of the property and supports our ability to remain in the home comfortably and safely for years to come.

Describe the current use of your property.

The property is currently used as a small seasonal cabin and weekend getaway for our family. The structure is limited in size, functionality, and overall design, and it is not suitable for year-round occupancy. Due to its small footprint, our family often relies on campers for additional sleeping space when gathering together. Over time, various modifications have been made to the cabin; however, some of this work does not meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, or durability. The layout and existing conditions are not well suited for young children or aging adults, and the cabin lacks consideration for universal design. Its use is primarily limited to summer recreational lake activities such as fishing and enjoying the northwoods, along with occasional fall hunting excursions. The property is not used for rental or commercial purposes, but remains a modest, seasonal family retreat.

Describe other alternatives, if any.

There are no reasonable options on this property that would allow us to achieve safe, functional year-round living without the proposed addition. We have long looked forward to the opportunity to make the transition to lake living in our retirement and to more fully enjoy the local community and friendships we have established over the years. Modifying and improving the existing structure is the only practical way to make this property suitable for long-term, year-round use for years to come.

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

When approved, the proposed use will align well with the established character of Eagles Nest Lakes chain of lakes. The area includes many we/I-maintained year-round homes that are aesthetically pleasing, thoughtfully designed, and updated for safe, modern living. Our plan is intentionally modest and will be carefully designed to integrate the existing cabin into a cohesive, attractive structure that reflects the quality and character of the area. The addition will significantly improve safety, functionality, and long-term durability while remaining harmonious with the natural lake setting. We are committed to responsible stewardship of the property and shoreline and to contributing positively to the overall appearance and stability of the Eagles Nest Lakes community.

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

The proposed variance will not have a negative impact on neighboring properties or the use and enjoyment of those properties. Our immediate neighbors maintain seasonal cabins that are primarily used from late May through early September, and our plans for year-round occupancy will not interfere with their customary summer use or lake activities. In fact, our increased presence throughout the year will provide added informal oversight of the area, as neighbors have often asked us to keep an eye on their properties when they are away. Our families also collectively spend meaningful time together during the summer months, and we anticipate that continuing to maintain and improve our property will contribute positively to the overall stab/lily, care, and sense of community within the neighborhood.

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

The proposed plan has been carefully designed to minimize any negative impact on the local environment and landscape. The addition will blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, preserving the character of the property and shoreline. We have consulted with experienced local contractors who have completed similar projects throughout the Virginia and Ely areas, and they have provided guidance on construction methods that ensure minimal disturbance to the site. By following these recommendations, we will execute the project with low to no impact on the environment, maintaining the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the property and surrounding area.

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

Approval of this variance will allow us to realize a long-term vision that has been part of our 20+ year plan: to transition our seasonal cabin into a safe, functional and comfortable year-round retirement home where we can age in place. The expanded home will not only accommodate us but also provide space for our adult children-who have grown up enjoying this lake-and their growing families, allowing multiple generations to gather safely and comfortably. Beyond our personal use, this will enable us to increase our participation in and contributions to the community, including continuing to assist neighbors, supporting local initiatives, and sharing in community events. Additionally, the improved home will allow us to continue enjoying the lake and surrounding northwoods through recreational activities, family gatherings, and celebrations, while creating a welcoming and vibrant space for friends and neighbors to visit. Overall the variance will enhance our ability to live responsibly, actively, and collaboratively within the lake community for many years to come.

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

The original cabin on this property was built in the early 1940s for a family traveling 14 miles from Ely to enjoy summer weekend getaways. It was designed solely for overnight stays for 2-4 people and was never intended for long-term or year-round use. Its small size, particularly the narrow width, severely limits functional design and the ability to create multiple rooms or adequate circulation. Several specific deficiencies help illustrate the significant challenges of the current structure: passageways do not meet modern standards for universal design, and the stairway is unsafe, with over half of the treads lacking proper landing space for secure passage. The cramped interior also restricts practical use for family gatherings; this past New Year's marked the first time in 20 years that our family was unable to celebrate together at the lake because there is Insufficient floor space to accommodate sleeping arrangements. These limitations underscore the necessity of the proposed addition to provide a safe, functional, and family-friendly year-round home, while preserving the character of the original cabin and the surrounding property.

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:--

Address:--

City:--

State:--

Postal Code:--

Email Address:--

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