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