Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Variance requests advance: Sattler garage scheduled for public hearing; council seeks expert verification for Larson plant‑identification request
Summary
The council set a public‑hearing process for Bruce Sattler’s proposed 30'×43' storage building and asked staff to obtain expert verification before considering Councilmember Niki Larson’s variance request to allow natural growth for plant identification.
The Gladstone City Council advanced two separate variance matters at its April 6 meeting, scheduling a public hearing and asking for outside verification before taking any final action.
Bruce Sattler presented a request to remove existing sheds and replace them with a new 30‑by‑43‑foot storage structure with no overhead doors. Sattler said removing the sheds would improve emergency access but noted fire trucks still cannot access the site via the alley; he also reported a contractor plans to begin work May 5 despite no building permit having been issued. Sattler agreed to collect the signatures required by the city’s zoning code from property owners within 300 feet. Auditor Maria Kolling will publish the required public‑hearing notices. The Planning & Zoning Board is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 27; the council will convene a special meeting at 6:15 PM immediately afterward to consider the variance.
Councilmember Niki Larson requested a variance to allow natural growth on a property in Wolfe’s Addition for the purpose of identifying plant species. Council members voiced concern about invasive species and emphasized the city ordinance’s mowing requirement; they warned that allowing such a variance could set a precedent. The council discussed requiring confirmation from the Extension Center or another qualified authority to verify that the plants are native and to document benefits before approving any exception. No formal action was taken on Larson’s request; the council agreed that documentation and guidelines would be necessary to justify an individual variance while maintaining fairness for other property owners.
What’s next: Sattler’s variance will proceed through the Planning & Zoning special meeting on May 27 and the special council meeting at 6:15 PM to follow. Larson’s request remains under consideration pending expert verification and agreed documentation requirements.
