Planning commission approves variance for small shed at 30430 Park Street

The Planning Commission voted to approve a variance that allows a 12-by-12 storage shed at 30430 Park Street after staff concluded existing pervious pavers keep the property’s runoff within acceptable limits. Chair-led discussion and public comment concluded with a motion to approve the variance based on the city engineer’s runoff calculation and the pervious driveway material.

City planner (speaker 7) told commissioners the lot is undersized (about 6,649–6,700 square feet versus the zoning district minimum of 12,000 square feet) and that impervious coverage rose from roughly 23% to about 25.4% after the shed was placed. The planner said the pervious pavers reduce the runoff factor “from 2,329 to 2,209” and recommended approval with conditions including applicant‑paid variance costs and a maintenance plan requiring periodic checks by city engineers. The planner said staff contacted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the site and received no objection to the variance.

Applicant Judy Shartran spoke at the public hearing and said she believed she had followed guidance and was surprised the lot measured at 25.4%. “I mean, guys, this isn't life or death here,” she told commissioners, adding she had paid contractors and fees and asked for leniency given the small overage and the age of lots in the neighborhood. Several neighbors spoke in support or to ask technical questions about the shoreland rules.

After public comment and staff clarifications about the shoreland overlay and enforcement, a commissioner moved to approve, citing the runoff calculation and existing pervious pavers; the motion passed on a voice vote. The commission recorded ayes for all voting members present and the variance will be recorded at the county per routine procedure. No removal of the shed was anticipated, and staff said removal would only be considered if a variance were denied.