CBA-Chanhassen_Variance NarrativeCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Planning Division – 7700 Market Boulevard
Mailing Address – P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: (952) 227-1130 / Fax: (952) 227-1110
VARIANCE
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Applications will be processed only if all request ed items are submitted
Prior to filing an application for a variance, the applicant shall attend a conference with city staff. The application
shall include the following:
(1) Completed Application Form.
(2) Evidence of ownership or an interest in the property.
(3) Application fee to include the following:
Type Fee
Variance $200
Notification Sign $200
Document Recording Escrow $50
Property Owners’ List within 500’ of subject property
(City to generate, fee determined at pre-application meeting) $3 per address
(4) Plot plan showing property lines, existing improvements, proposed improvements with setbacks, lot coverage, building
height, etc.
(5) Written description of variance request.
(6) Written justification of how request complies with the findings for granting a variance (pursuant to Section 20-58) as
follows:
a. Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this Chapter
and when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
b. When there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. "Practical difficulties," as used in
connection with the granting of a variance, means that the property owner proposes to use the property in a
reasonable manner not permitted by this Chapter. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate
access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
c. That the purpose of the variation is not based upon economic considerations alone.
d. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner.
e. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
f. Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 216C.06,
subdivision 14, when in harmony with this Chapter.
kimley-horn.com 767 Eustis Street, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55114 651 645 4197
September 4, 2020
City of Chanhassen
7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Attention: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, City Planner
RE: Proposed Christian Brothers Automotive – Variance for Landscaping Requirements
Christian Brothers Automotive is seeking a landscape variance for the proposed development at 8941
Crossroads Boulevard, as proposed intent for visual screening of vehicular areas is not met per section
20-1176, 20-1180, and 20-1181 of the Chanhassen Municipal Code. Any open vehicular use areas
containing more than 6,000 square feet of area shall provide interior landscaping in accordance with
this division in addition to “perimeter” landscaping. Perimeter landscaping along the eastern edge of
the proposed vehicular area is not feasible given the proximity of the curb to the existing property line.
The use of the adjacent property to the east of the proposed development is an existing fuel
station/convenience store.
In order to mitigate for this short coming, two additional trees above the required four trees have been
provided throughout the proposed site. These two trees are located within the islands immediately
adjacent to the proposed bay door locations. Additionally, the existing condition has been improv ed as
trees have been strategically placed in the landscape areas separating the proposed development from
the adjacent uses. The intent of the placement of trees within the parking lot islands is to follow the
spirit of the code by providing buffering/screening between the proposed use and the adjacent
development. Shrubs have also been placed along the landscaped perimeter of the proposed building
to provide additional landscaped areas.
Please contact me at (763) 251-1016 or christian.jones@kimley-horn.com should you have any
questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Christian Jones
Project Manager