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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 5 <br /> <br />feet. The additional living space above the garage would have similar dimensions and an area of <br />approximately 282 square feet. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler explained a variance is needed in this case to allow for the addition to <br />encroach 1 foot – 7 inches into the minimum side yard setback of 10 feet, resulting in a setback of <br />8 feet – 5 inches. The R-1 Zoning District requires a total combined setback of 25 feet between <br />both side yards, and a variance is also needed to allow for the reduced combined side yard <br />setback. The existing dwelling is setback 12 feet – 2 inches from the west side property line and <br />the proposed addition would be setback 8 feet – 5 inches from the east side property line, resulting <br />in a combined side yard setback of 20 feet – 7 inches. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the Plan Evaluation and offered the following Findings of <br />Fact: <br /> <br />General Findings: <br />1. The property at 1536 Edgewater Avenue is located in the R-1 Single Family Residential <br />Zoning District. <br />2. The lot is nonconforming due to lot size and width. <br />3. The existing conditions on the property are in conformance with the setback, structure, and <br />lot coverage requirements for properties in the R-1 District. <br />4. The proposed addition would encroach 1 foot – 7 inches into the east side yard setback, <br />creating a setback of 8 feet – 5 inches from the property line. The minimum side yard <br />setback in the R-1 District is 10 feet. <br />5. The proposed addition would result in a combined side yard setback of 20 feet – 7 inches. <br />The existing dwelling is setback 12 feet – 2 inches from the west side property line and the <br />proposed addition would be setback 8 feet – 5 inches from the east side property line. The <br />minimum combined side yard setback in the R-1 District is 25 feet. <br />6. A variance is required in this case to allow for an encroachment in the minimum side yard <br />setback and for a combined side yard setback of less than 25 feet. <br />7. All other aspects of the proposed addition are in conformance with the Zoning Code <br />requirements for the R-1 District. <br />8. The proposed addition would not encroach on any flood plains, wetlands, or easements. <br />9. The proposed addition is not expected to impact any significant trees on the property. <br /> <br />Variance Findings: <br />10. The variance would be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the City’s Code because <br />the addition would maintain side yard setbacks consistent with other dwellings in the <br />neighborhood. <br />11. The variance would be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan because it meets the <br />City’s housing goal of encouraging property investment that complements and enhances <br />the character of the City’s established neighborhoods. <br />12. The proposed addition to allow for a second garage stall is a reasonable use of the property <br />that would not be allowed under the rules of the Zoning Code without the requested <br />variance. <br />13. The property is unique and presents development challenges because of its narrow width <br />of approximately 80 feet and its topography. The unique characteristics of the property <br />were not created by the property owners.