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City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for January 10, 2018 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2017\PC 17-028 - 1504 Edgewater Ave - Site Plan Review - Accessory Structure\Memos_Reports_17-028 Page 5 of 6 Topography The aerial map of the property provided in Attachment B includes contour lines illustrating the topography of the property. The principal structure is situated close to the southwest corner at the high point of the property, which has an elevation of approximately 904 feet. The property slopes away from the dwelling to approximately between 886 and 888 feet along Ridgewood Road and Edgewater Avenue. Based on the topographical data, the steepest areas of the property appear to be along the eastern side of the property adjacent to the dwelling and in the southeast corner. The topography of the property limits the locations where an accessory structure could be located behind the front façades of the dwelling and on flat ground. The property owner notes in their application that it would be potentially dangerous to place the shed in the rear yard because the steep slope makes it difficult to back a lawnmower in and out of the shed. Location of Principal Structure Since the property is a corner lot, accessory structures must be located behind the front façades of the home along Edgewater Avenue and Ridgewood Road. The dwelling is setback approximately 105 feet from the Edgewater Avenue property line and approximately 30 feet from the Ridgewood Road property line. The remaining rear yard area where an accessory structure could be placed and meet side and rear setback requirements is approximately 30 feet by 55 feet in size. Neighborhood Appearance One of the main reasons the Zoning Code prohibits the placement of accessory structures between residential dwellings and a public street is to maintain a neighborhood characteristic of open front yard areas free of structures. The storage shed in the front yard is visible from adjacent properties and vehicles driving on Edgewater Avenue and Ridgewood Road. Staff has received emails from four residents in the neighborhood expressing their concerns about the visual impacts of the shed in its current location (Attachment E). Proposed Motion Language The findings of fact provided do not directly support a recommendation for approval or denial. The Planning Commission will need to provide additional findings that support the reason for recommending approval or denial of this case. Staff would note that the Planning Commission may choose to place conditions on a recommendation to approve as well. 1. Recommend Approval: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 17-028 for a Site Plan Review at 1504 Edgewater Avenue, based on the findings of fact in the January 10, 2018 Report to the Planning Commission, and the following additional findings of fact: findings to recommend approval should specifically reference the unique and exceptional circumstances on the property that justify a deviation from the accessory structure location requirements.