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<br />City of Arden Hills <br />City Council Meeting for June 27, 2016 <br />P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2016\PC 16-015 - 1494 Keithson Drive - Variance\Memos_Reports_16-015 <br /> <br />Page 4 of 5 <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 <br />allowed 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. <br />13. The proposed addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood <br />because it would result in a structure that is consistent and compatible with other <br />construction in the area. <br />14. The requested variance does not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. <br /> <br /> <br />Recommendation <br /> <br />The Planning Commission recommends approval (4-1, Thompson) of Planning Case 16-015 for <br />a rear yard setback Variance at 1494 Keithson Drive, based on the findings of fact and submitted <br />plans in the June 27, 2016, Report to the City Council, as amended by the following five <br />conditions: <br /> <br />1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by <br />the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by <br />the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and <br />City Council. <br />2. A building permit shall be required prior to commencement of construction. <br />3. The porch addition shall match the color and architectural style of the rest of the <br />principal structure. <br />4. An encroachment of 3 feet – 6 inches shall be permitted for the porch addition into <br />the 30-foot rear setback requirement. This will result in a setback of 26 feet – 6 inches <br />from the rear property line. <br />5. The structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. <br /> <br /> <br />Options <br /> <br />1. Approve the proposal as submitted.