26-14 signed Findings of FactCITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COLINI'IES. MINNESo'I'A
FINDINGS oF FA('T
AND DECISION
Application by Elizabeth and Todd Williams lor a variance to the maximum lot cover percentage
fbr the installation of various sile improvernents on a propert)' zoned Single Famill' Residential
District (RSF) - Planning Case 2026-14.
On October 20. thc Chanhassen l'lanning Commission. acting as the Board olAppeals and
Adjustments, met at its regularll scheduled meeting to consider the application. The Planning
flommission conducted a public hearing on the proposed variance preceded by'published and
mailed notice. The Board ol Appeals and Adjustments makes the fbllo* ing:
FINI)lN(;S Ol- F,\('1'
l. The propeny is currently zoned Single Famill' Residential District (RSF) and located within
the Shoreland Management Overlay District.
2. The prope(y is guided in the Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan lor Residential Low Density.
3. The property legal description as described in Exhibit A.
4. Variance Findinss - Section 20-58 ofthe Cit 1 Code provides the lollou ing criteria fbr the
granting of a variance
Variances shall onll' be permitted uhen thel are in harmonl'u'ith the general purposes
and intent olthis Chapter and when the variances are consistent rvith the Ciomprehensive
Plan.
a
Finding: T'he varionce is in harmonl'Y'ilh lhe Sencrll lturposes and intenl oflhe chapler.
tt:s well os lhe comprehensive plan us the ttpplic nt is proposing a reasonable use o/ the
propert-v- uncl proposing lo improw lhe general sile contlitions. The propo;ed prttiect u'ill
manage the increased slormwaler runoffon sile, dccreast soil entsion' and incrcase
slormv)ater qualitv before it is dischorged inlo Lolus Lake.
b. When there are practical difflculties in conrplying with the zoning ordinance. "Practical
difllculties" as used in connection rl ith the granting ofa Iariance. means thal the propert)
o\\'ner proposes to use tlte property in a reasonable manner not permitted bl this Clhapter.
Practical dilficulties include. but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight
for solar energv svstems.
IN RE:
Finding: The requested vtrriance has prac'tic'al dfficulty in complying v'ith the zoning
ordinance duc to lhe substandard lol size ol'the propertl'. The properly ov'ner is
proposing o rcosonoble use cl lhe properly lhal require.s o variance.fttr the installalion of
a pdlio ond stormwaler monage,nent elforls.
c. l'hat the purpose olthe variation is not based upon economic considerations alone.
Finding: Tha v{triation i.y not based on economic consklerations alone. The propertt,
owners arc proposing site improvements to improve clroindge patlerns und to utilize the
exlerior o/ lhair property.
d. The plight ofthe landou ner is due to circumstances unique to the propert)'not created b1'
the landou,ner.
Finding: Iht l ight of thc lunt ttnu i.s dut lo lhc t'irL'ulttstune.s t'raulttl hy.suhsturulol
lot \i:r urul th( uniqut .sloltt' o lht l)t1tlr.,t l.t. n(tl (rL'eltl ht lht l)ro!)L'rl.t t,\'n(r.
The variance, if granted. * ill not alter the essential character of the localityc
Finding: Tha vuriance, if gftnted, would not aller the e,\sentiol chorocter of the locality
as lhe proposul rlecreases lhe exisling nonconformity anal ipproves the drainage and
v,ater quolit"v.lbr the .\ubiect property.
l'. Variances shall be granted lor carlh-shehered construction as defined in Minnesota
Statutes Section 216C.()6, suhdivision 14. n,hen in harmonl'u'ith this Chapter.
Finding: The proposed is not an earlh-shellered conslruction and therefore not
applicoble.
The stalT report #2026-l l dated October 14,2026. prepared b1'Rachel Jeske et al. is
incorporaled herein.
5
The Planning Commission approves the requested lot cover variance, subject to the conditions ol
the staff reporl.
ADOPTED bl the Clhanhassen Planning Commission this 20s dal of October 2026.
CIIANHASSEN ING IVI IS S I()N
B\':
Chairperson
DECISION
Exhihit A
Lots 683-688, Carver Beach, Carver County, Minnesota.