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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 8, 2016 2 <br /> <br />Site Data <br />Land Use Plan: Very Low Density Residential <br />Existing Land Use: Single Family Detached Residential <br />Zoning: R-1: Single Family Residential <br />Current Lot Sizes: .75 Acres (32,736 square feet) <br />Topography: Relatively Flat <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and the Variance <br />Evaluation Criteria. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: <br /> <br />General Findings: <br />1. The property at 1494 Keithson Drive is located in the R-1 Single Family Residential <br />Zoning District. <br />2. The lot is in conformance with the minimum lot size and dimensions for the R-1 District. <br />3. The existing conditions on the property are in conformance with the setback and structure <br />and lot coverage requirements for properties in the R-1 District. <br />4. The proposed porch addition would encroach 3 feet – 6 inches into the rear yard setback <br />creating a setback of 26 feet – 6 inches from the rear property line. The minimum rear <br />yard setback in the R-1 District is 30 feet. The proposed porch addition would meet all <br />other setback requirements for the R-1 District. <br /> <br />5. The proposed deck is in conformance with the Zoning Code as Section 1325.03, Subd. 2 <br />(A) permits decks to extend six feet into the rear yard setback as long as the <br />encroachment is not closer than six feet from the rear lot line. The proposed deck would <br />be setback 26 feet – 6 inches from the rear property line. <br />6. All other aspects of the proposed porch and deck addition are in conformance with the <br />Zoning Code requirements for the R-1 District. <br />7. The proposed addition would not encroach on any flood plains, wetlands, or easements. <br />8. The proposed addition is not expected to impact any significant trees on the property. <br /> <br />Variance Findings: <br />9. The variance would be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the City’s Code <br />because the impact of the addition on adjacent properties would be mitigated by the <br />location of the addition at the rear of the house, the elevation change between the subject <br />property and the adjacent property to the east, and the presence of several large trees <br />along the rear property line that provide screening. <br />10. The variance would be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan because it meets <br />the City’s housing goal of encouraging property investment that complements and <br />enhances the character of the City’s established neighborhoods. <br />11. The proposed porch addition is a reasonable use of the property that would not be allowed <br />under the rules of the Zoning Code without the requested variance. <br />12. The property is unique because of the wetland area that covers a large portion of the site. <br />A drainage and utility easement covers the wetland area and a 5-foot buffer along the <br />wetland’s edge, limiting where additions to the home can be constructed. The unique <br />characteristics of the property were not created by the property owners.