Commission approves side‑setback variance but denies impervious‑coverage increase for new home at 4844 210th St N

The Forest Lake Planning Commission on April 8 approved a one‑foot side‑setback variance that allows a 9‑foot side yard for a new home proposed at 4844 210th Street North, and separately denied a requested 5% increase to the maximum impervious surface coverage (the applicant requested 35% rather than the 30% allowed for nonconforming lots).

Staff said the lot is nonconforming in width and that a single‑family home is a permitted and reasonable use; staff recommended approval of the one‑foot side‑setback variance (Resolution 04‑08‑26‑03) with conditions and denial of the 5% impervious‑surface variance (Resolution 04‑08‑26‑04), noting the site plan could be revised (move buildings closer to the street, shorten driveways or reduce square footage) to meet the 30% figure.

Applicant Jim Larson described design constraints that drove the proposed layout, saying the design aimed to keep living spaces on one level and to accommodate an attached garage while keeping usable interior circulation; he said he will coordinate with the watershed district on drainage, rain gardens and mitigation. Commissioner Don Steeler recused himself from the discussion because he is a neighbor; he later abstained from the votes. The commission approved the side‑setback variance (unanimous among participating commissioners with one abstention) and denied the impervious‑surface variance (vote in favor of denial carried; Steeler abstained). City staff and the watershed district will continue engineering and stormwater review as the project proceeds through permitting.