Council grants variance allowing reduced front-yard setback for new home at 239 Aspen Road NE

The East Bethel City Council approved a variance allowing a new principal structure at 239 Aspen Road NE to locate the garage 15 feet from the Aspen Road front property line where the Shoreland Overlay District standard requires 25 feet.

Planning staff reported the property is zoned R-**** Lake and lies within the Shoreland Overlay District. The proposed home would demolish an existing house and accessory structures in poor condition and place the garage portion 15 feet from the front property line while most of the principal structure would be 23 feet from the front line; the design meets other required setbacks and impervious-surface limits in the overlay. Staff said the site has a steep slope—about a 30% gradient toward the lake—but that the proposal met the 75-foot ordinary high water level separation and other overlay requirements. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reviewed the proposal and provided no comment.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing, during which a neighboring property owner asked about side-yard setbacks; planning staff and the applicant addressed that concern. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.

A councilmember moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-43 granting a variance from Section 51-7(B) of the zoning ordinance to allow the principal structure within 25 feet of the front property line; the council adopted the resolution. Staff said one existing structure near the lake will remain as a legal nonconforming building; other buildings on the parcel will be removed prior to construction.