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Council approves variance allowing Nexus Church to build ADA ramp into south side
Summary
After a planning presentation, the City Council granted a five-foot variance to allow a zero setback for an ADA-compliant ramp on Nexus Church’s south side; presenters said other approaches would not meet ADA or would require MnDOT involvement or extensive interior work.
The Thief River Falls City Council approved a five-foot variance that allows Nexus Church to build an ADA-compliant ramp on the south side of its building with a zero setback from the property line.
Blake Kuznio of Kuznio Builders presented the site plan and explained why the south side was the preferred location. He said options on the east, north and west sides were impractical: east and north elevations contain air-conditioning equipment, alley access or excessive height that would require an extraordinarily long ramp; the west (front) side would require a long zig-zag ramp across lawn and was judged undesirable for the building’s facade and site circulation. Kuznio said the ramp design needs roughly 52 feet of run to accommodate a 42-inch rise, including mid-run landings, and that part of the run would intrude into shrubbery that is on the church’s property.
Kuznio told the council that planning and zoning held a public hearing with no public feedback and that neighbors were notified; he said the adjacent shed is on the neighbor’s lot and the property line is approximately five feet from that shed. The applicant did not report a direct conversation with the nearest neighbor.
Planning staff recommended approval, concluding the request met the variance criteria of reasonableness, uniqueness and essential character. The council approved the variance; the motion was recorded as “Motion by Councilwoman Preheim, second by Councilwoman Bullduck” and the council voted in favor with no recorded opposition.
Council members asked practical questions about ramp width, landings and trimming vegetation; staff said the ramp would meet ADA requirements and that the applicant may trim or remove bushes on the church’s property to accommodate the required clearance.
The applicant was wished success on the project; construction details, contractor schedule and precise costs were not discussed in the meeting record.
