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City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for May 26th, 2020 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2020\20-004 1741 Venus Avenue Tourdot Variance\CC Packet Page 4 of 6 According to the Applicants’ application, the sunken topography of the front yard is unique to the property 1741 Venus Avenue as well as the nonconforming nature of the lot’s size and length. The previous owner designed and landscaped the front yard for aesthetic reasons prior to the adoption of the zoning code. c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. According to the Applicants’ application, the existing neighborhood has homes with a variety of different front yard decks, porches, and patios and the proposed variance will not alter the character of the neighborhood. The sunken courtyard has been a neighborhood feature for many years. 3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical difficulty. The proposed variance is not based on economic consideration. 4. Access to Sunlight. Inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems shall be considered a practical difficulty. A solar energy system is not proposed. Findings of Fact The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their May 6, 2020, meeting and have offered the following findings of fact for your consideration: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a request to build a replacement deck for a single family dwelling at the Subject Property 1741 Venus Avenue. 2. A deck on a single-family detached dwelling is a permitted use in the R-1 district. 3. The proposed walkway is necessary as the means of egress out the front door of the house. 4. The Subject Property is non-conforming with the R-1 districts standards for minimum lot length and area requirements. 5. The Subject Property is nonconforming due to the sunken elevation of the front yard. 6. The proposed deck and walkway would encroach into the front setback a combined 28 feet. 7. The proposed development of the subject parcel would conform to all other requirements and standards of the R-1district. 8. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a provision in the zoning ordinance would cause the landowner practical difficulties. 9. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance.