NEW ULM — The New Ulm Planning Commission approved a variance to allow a building at 1600 N. Broadway to be located three feet from the side property line, Thursday.

The application came from property owner Donald Sanderson. He has placed a 12 foot by 20-foot pre-manufactured storage building on his property line, three feet from the north property line and 10 feet from the existing building to the south.

The purpose of the building is to house property maintenance equipment. Building code requires that if a detached structure were placed closer than 10 feet from an existing building that one-hour fire protection needs to be installed on both new and existing buildings.

The buildings are placed to meet the fire separation and the owner plans to install one-hour fire protection on the side of the storage building abutting the north property line.

In 2009, a previous tenant was granted a permit to place a similar storage building in the same location as the new storage building. The new building is on skids and can be moved if required.

Staff recommended approval of the variance because the placement does not change the essential character of the neighborhood and is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Sanderson said the neighbors are okay with the building. He chose colors and shingles for the shed to match the building to keep the site looking like an original construction.

Commissioner Jeff Gulden made the motion to approve with a second from Cate Macho and was approved by the commissioners.

——–

A preliminary plat was approved for the Milford Heights Third Addition, located between 630 and 654 Waraju Drive. The plat is zoned as Multiple Residence District (R-3).

The property was originally platted to allow the construction of townhomes. The new plat would consist of four lots and two sets of twin homes would be located on the property.

——–

The commission received information on zero lot line standards. City Planner John Knisley said in the last few years, townhomes, rowhouses, and townhomes have been constructed more frequently. City zoning standards require a 10-yard side yard setback from lot lines in a low and medium residential district. This means every time a twin home, row home or townhome is built a variance is required.

Staff is recommended code be change to take into account the unique nature of these types of homes. Also, they recommend each unit has separate utility services to each dwelling unit and a common party fire-wall between dwellings.

The commissioner requested these requirements come back in the form of an ordinance after being reviewed by the city attorney.

——–

The commissioners elected new officers for 2020. Larry Mack was elected chair with Jeff Gulden serving as vice-chair and Cate Macho taking over as Secretary.

The current chair, James Hogen, completed is second and the last term on the commission. This was his last meeting.

Staff recognized his service to the commission with an award.

Community Development Director David Schnobrich praised Hogen for his service to the county by asking good questions and encouraging discussions.

Hogen thanked the commissioners and staff for their involvement. He said they made the commission look good and created an excellent team.