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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 3, 2014 3 9. Detached accessory structures up to seven hundred and twenty-eight (728) square feet are permitted structures within the R-1 Zoning District. 10. All structures on the lot are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. 11. The proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance as the Ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique parcels and situations when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized. 12. The proposal is consistent with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan as it allows the reasonable use of residential property. 13. Detached accessory structures are permitted and a reasonable use within the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. 14. The property is rather unique due to the placement of the existing single family dwelling in the rear of the lot approximately two-hundred (200) feet from the front property line. 15. The current placement of the single family dwelling leaves limited options for the construction of an accessory structure that meets all setback regulations and minimizes tree loss and final grading. 16. The proposed accessory structure would be visible from neighboring properties; however, the proposed location, design and the use of quality materials for the detached structure that are compatible in appearance to the single family dwelling should minimize the impacts on surrounding property owners. 17. The proposed accessory structure is unlikely to have negative impacts to the property or to the neighborhood as a whole. City Planner Streff stated that the property is fairly unique when compared to other properties in Arden Hills because of its topography, number of significant trees and the configuration of the single family dwelling on the lot. Because of the lot’s topography, natural drainage pattern, significant trees and the configuration of principal structure at the rear of the lot, options for the movement of the accessory structure to an area that meets all zoning regulations is very limited in order to minimize tree loss and grading on the property. Due to the scope of the project and the proposed addition of an accessory structure, the character of the neighborhood or the City is not expected to be negatively affected. City Planner Streff explained that the findings of fact for the Site Plan Review support a recommendation for approval. However, if the Planning Commission chooses to make a recommendation for denial, the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial. If the Planning Commission recommends approval of the Site Plan Review, staff recommends the following eight (8) conditions: 1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. That the proposed accessory structure shall be permitted to be located in the front yard (between the dwelling and the street) at a distance of fifty-eight (58) feet from the front property line. 3. That the proposed accessory structure shall not exceed a footprint of 720 square feet. 4. That the exterior façade and roofing materials of the proposed detached accessory garage shall match or be compatible in appearance and material used with the principal structure.