In December, the city approved an amendment to the city zoning ordinance specifically for grid lots to allow development of single-family homes on lots near South German Street.

City Planner John Knisley said this ordinance specifically affected four lots. Due to the size and locations of the lots the city’s current zoning standards made it difficult to develop into residential homes without also approving several variances.

With the approval of the ordinance, Southside Property Management is moving forward with the development of two single-family homes at 1527 S. German Street.

Before development of the lot can begin, the property needed to be divided into two parcels. The plan is to build a home on each section. In addition to the lot division, Southside Property Management requested a front-yard setback variance for the western parcel fronting S. German Street. The variance would allow the home to be built 20 feet from German Street instead of 30 feet.

A photo of the 1527 S. German Street lot taken from 16th S. Street, showing the 10% slope. Due to the slope, New Ulm City Council approved a variance reducing the setback requirements for a house that will be constructed fronting S. German Street. Submitted photo

City Planner John Knisley said the setback request was due to a slope on the property. The lot has a 10% slope from the front to the rear. In order to construct a home at the 30-foot setback, the developer would need to add a significant of infill. The 20-foot setback would reduce the amount of fill necessary for construction.

The New Ulm Planning Commission previously recommended both lot division and the setback variance.

Councilor David Christian made the motion to approve the lot division and Councilor Larry Mack made the motion to approve the setback variance. Both motions were unanimously approved by the council.