Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pine City planning commission forwards Avista Co‑op setback variance to council
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward Avista Co‑op’s request for a zero rear‑yard setback at 325 3rd Street SE to city council for final approval; staff said the Minnesota DNR hydrologist raised no concerns.
The Pine City Planning Commission on May 27 unanimously voted to forward a request from Avista Co‑op seeking a zero rear‑yard setback on the west property line of 325 3rd Street Southeast to the City Council for final action.
Avista’s representative told the commission the company seeks the variance to build a 40‑by‑24‑foot lean‑to and to protect fuel trucks and drivers during winter service calls. Staff explained the property is zoned TI‑1 and in the Shoreland District and that meeting the standard 10‑foot setback would reduce maneuvering space to about 22 feet between the proposed structure and an existing fenced fuel containment area, which staff said would be inadequate for safe turning of tanker trucks.
“The goal is to protect all of our assets, fuel trucks and drivers,” the Avista representative said in support of the variance.
Staff also reported a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hydrologist reviewed the request and had no concerns. Commissioners discussed site constraints including the adjacent railroad right‑of‑way and whether roof eaves or the structure itself would encroach; staff clarified the building would remain inside the property line with no overhanging eaves.
After discussion, Commissioner Tommy moved to advance the resolution to council and the motion was seconded. On roll call, all present voted in favor; the commission recorded a unanimous vote to forward the matter. The item is scheduled to appear before the City Council next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
What happens next: City Council will consider the variance and issue the final decision. If council approves the variance, Avista may proceed with building permits and any required site and structural reviews.
Provenance: First discussion and presentation beginning at SEG 140 (staff presentation of the variance) and concluding when the commission voted to forward the resolution at SEG 1241–SEG 1425.
