Parking variance sought for planned mini-golf course

Those behind a plan to construct a miniature golf course on Edgewood Place are seeking a variance from city parking requirements.

Erik Wilson, on behalf of Wilson Brothers, has applied to the city Board of Adjustment for a variance to the parking requirements to construct the 18 hole mini-golf facility on the property for a chiropractic office at the corner of Edgewood and Wisconsin Avenue.

The request looks to allow for providing 25 off street parking spaces on the property instead of the 54 required for a regular golf course. City regulations require three parking spaces per hole with a regular course.

City code has no provision for mini-golf courses.

An additional 11 spaces on city property would also be accessible for those using the mini-golf facility.

“We feel the parking needs are met with the parking area that is currently in place, especially considering the proximity to downtown, and adjacent bike path that allows for pedestrian traffic to access our mini-golf course as an alternative to driving,” the application notes.

Wilson also noted that a round at the miniature golf course would take between 40 to 50 minutes, while a regular golf course round takes about four hours so less parking is required.

There is a building on the site already that is planned for a chiropractic clinic and also includes a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor. About 11,400 square feet of vacant land on the east side of the property is planned for the mini-golf course.

The application says that strict compliance with the parking regulations would prevent the development of a family-friendly recreational opportunity for residents and visitors. Also, Wilson said constructing additional parking would be exceedingly difficult because of the shape of the lot.

Also on the board’s agenda, is a request from Mark and Shelly Elliott to reconstruct a home at 1110 Birch Point Dr. within the 10-foot lakeshore setback and within the side and rear zoning setbacks.

Decisions of the Board of Adjustment are final.

The board meets on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.