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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Division of Ecological and Water Resources 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN, 55106 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Ecological and Water Resources Division Central Region Headquarters 1200 Warner Road, St Paul MN 55106 October 2, 2019 Katie Larsen City Planner City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Pkwy Lino Lakes, MN 55014-1182 Re: Variance Application for Poehling Addition Dear Ms. Larsen, Thank you for the opportunity to review the lot size variance application for the Poehling Addition at 6790 W. Shadow Lake Drive in Lino Lakes, MN. Variances to shoreland ordinance standards are an important tool for balancing property rights with the public’s right to clean water and healthy habitats. However, variances to shoreland standards should be rare and only for exceptional situations. The variance criteria in Minnesota Statutes must be used for determining these exceptional situations. Note that ALL five variance criteria must be satisfied to approve a variance. These five criteria are: • Is the variance consistent with the comprehensive plan? • Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? • Is the variance in harmony with the purposes and intent of the ordinance? • Will the variance, if granted, alter the essential character of the locality? • Does the proposal put property to use in a reasonable manner? I reviewed the application against the five criteria above and below is a summary of how the application compares to three of them that the City may want to review the variance request against. Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? Unique circumstances relate to physical characteristics of the land - such as lot dimensions (not area), steep slopes, poor soils, wetlands, and trees. These do not include physical limitations or personal circumstances created by the property owner that prevent compliance with the minimum lot size.