Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variances Conditional Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board of Adjustment approves two setback variances and a conditional‑use permit for multifamily units after neighbor testimony
Summary
The city’s board of adjustment approved a reduced rear yard setback for an attached garage at 1301 Roland Lane and a reduced rear setback for a covered patio at 318 Christine Street, and planning staff and council approved a conditional use for two fourplex buildings in the 900 block of West Norway Avenue after neighbors raised drainage concerns.
Mitchell’s board of adjustment and planning staff approved three land‑use requests after public testimony and staff presentations during a joint session with the city council.
The board approved a variance for Maurice and Julie Hartman to allow a five‑foot rear yard setback for an attached garage at 1301 Roland Lane; planning staff had recommended five feet instead of the 3‑foot request and said notices were sent and one neighbor letter favored and one opposed. The applicant told the council he agreed to the five‑foot setback. A neighbor asked how roof drainage would be handled; Hartman’s representative said the existing drainage pattern would not change and water currently drains between properties to the street.
The board also approved a variance for Carl Knight to allow an 11‑foot rear yard setback for an attached covered patio at 318 Christine Street. Planning staff said notices were sent and two letters were returned in favor; commissioners noted past cases where covered patios later were enclosed and said they would monitor future changes.
Separately, planning staff recommended approval and the council approved a conditional‑use permit for VanBuskirk Homes LLC to build two fourplexes (multifamily dwellings totaling between five and 12 units per structure) in the 900 block of West Norway Avenue. Planning staff said one letter was in favor and five opposed; neighbors at the meeting raised concerns about drainage, snow removal and access. Staff said the developer will be required to submit a drainage plan and that access to the new units would be through an existing apartment parking lot to the west rather than direct access off Norway. A resident who previously lived adjacent to the site said he believed the pond/retention area was adequate based on his experience. Another neighbor reported seasonal water flowing toward adjacent yards and urged a proper drainage study; staff and the applicant said additional drainage analysis and fencing were proposed to address concerns.
Ending
All three applications were approved during the hearing. Planning staff and council told residents the city will require drainage plans and coordinate construction access and mitigation details before permits are finalized.
