Board of Adjustment

MEMORANDUM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO: Board of Adjustment FROM: Carlos Espinosa DATE: April 13, 2022 SUBJECT: BOA Application Considerations for 4/20/22 Meeting Applicant: John Redig – 248 E. Garvin Heights Road Considerations related to Board of Adjustment Variance Criteria are provided below: 1) Is the variance in harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance? The 15’ average height restriction for an accessory structure is meant to limit the height of a garage to 1/1.5 stories. Increasing the average height to a maximum of 21 feet will not create a second story – rather it will facilitate installation of a taller garage door on a property zoned Agricultural/Natural Resources. Given this zoning and the fact that the property is not in a residential area, the variance is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance. Additionally, the visibility of the garage from the Mississippi River valley is blocked by evergreen trees which are significantly taller than the proposed structure. Thus, the garage height extension will not be visible from the valley areas of Winona. 2) Is the variance consistent with the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan designates this area for Limited Residential. Many other areas in Winona zoned Agricultural/Natural Resources also carry this designation and have accessory structures taller than an average of 15’. In accordance the proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.  3) Does the proposal put property to use in a reasonable manner? Given the site’s zoning, the variance to allow a taller garage height is reasonable. 4) Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? The zoning of the property and its isolated nature (i.e. not located in a residential neighborhood) are unique circumstances to the property. 5) Will the variance, if granted, retain the essential character of the locality? Given the lack of visibility from the valley areas of Winona, the variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. 6) Are there other considerations for the variance request besides economics? If the findings of questions 3-5 are affirmative this criterion is satisfied.  Page 2