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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 8 5. The proposed accessory structure is setback fifty-eight (58) feet from the front property line and twenty-eight (28) feet from the southern side yard. 6. The structure does not encroach into a front, side or rear yard setback. 7. The proposed structure and landscaping coverages are within the zoning district requirements. The new structure will increase the lot coverage from 5.36% to 6.62% and decreases the landscaping coverage from 94.64% to 93.38%. 8. The proposed accessory structure would not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. 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 the lot’s topography, natural drainage pattern, significant trees, and the configuration of the principal structure at the rear of the lot, options for the movement of the accessory structure to an area that meets all zoning regulations are very limited. 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 property owner is proposing to construct the new driveway and parking area in front of the garage with a gravel or rock material. Knowing that the majority of driveway and parking areas on the lot are not currently improved with a hard surface, it was determined that any new areas should be improved with a hard surface as indicated in condition number 5. The Code states in Section 1325.06 that off-street parking areas and drives shall be improved with a hard surface and prohibits parking of vehicles on any area of the property except on a designed driveway or parking area. City Planner Streff reported the findings of fact for the site plan review support a recommendation for approval. However, if the City Council chooses to make a recommendation for denial, the findings of fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial.