HomeMy WebLinkAbout[11a] Rental Exemption RequestC['1'v OF ~T. J(~ti{GNH
Council Agenda Item t'
MEETING DATE: September 17, 2009
AGENDA ITEM: Administrator Reports
a. Rental Exemption Request
SUBMITTED BY: Administration
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Please find to follow a request from a property owner that is
requesting exemption from the Ordinance regarding renting in a R1 area. While I sympathize with the
property owner and appreciate his call to duty, once the City starts making exceptions, the integrity of
the Ordinance is lost. The City cannot discriminate on types of rental units that are allowed. We ran
into this situation on 16`h Avenue with a military person and they had to meet the terms of the
Ordinance.
Variances are not applicable for uses and are used for setback and lot requirements.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
ATTACHMENTS: Letter from Erin Truhler
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the Administrator to respond to the property owner
informing them that the City cannot grant exemptions to the Zoning Ordinance.
Unit 3140, Box 059
DPO, AA 34037-0059
August 15, 2009
City of Saint Joseph
Attn: Mayor and City Council Members
25 College Avenue North
P.O. Box 668
Saint Joseph, MN 56374
Dear Mayor Rassier and Council Members Frank, Symanietz, and Wick:
I am writing to ask for an exemption from the current moratorium on rental property and the
ordinance allowing only owner-occupied rentals in St. Joseph. I own a townhome at 543 Graceview
Loop in St. Joseph but have been posted overseas as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S.
Department of State. As such, I am on diplomatic mission in Caracas, Venezuela, until November
of 2010 and will then be sent to a United States embassy or consulate in a different country.
I have been trying to sell my home for over a year and a half, but given the current market and the
number of foreclosed properties for sale, this has proven impossible. Even if I were to receive an
offer, it would be at such a low price that to accept it would be financially devastating. The house
has sat empty for over a year now.
My circumstances are relatively unique which is why I ask for this exemption. I was a positive
member of the community as an employee at the colleges for over three years and last year
answered a call to serve our country overseas. I have taken responsibility for my home and have
not let it fall into foreclosure, and I have made no attempt to usurp the rules and rent it informally
have made a concerted effort to sell my home, but, for the aforementioned reasons, that has not
been possible.
Therefore, I respectfully request the City of St. Joseph's permission to rent my home. I believe it is
mutually in my and the city's best interest not to have this property sit empty for another year or
two until the market picks up again.
I am very grateful for your consideration of my request. I can be reached via email at
ejtruhler(a,yahoo.com, by phone at (+58) 212-907-8638 (work), or at the address above.
Sincerely,
Erin J. ruhle
Vice Consu
U.S. Embassy Caracas ~~~~~~~
AUG 2 4 2009