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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 26, 2020 7 Councilmember Scott reported if the variance were not granted the home would look exactly the same as if the variance were granted. He explained the extra space was being requested to accommodate a child with special needs. Councilmember McClung stated he did not support the variance request. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-022 approving Planning Case 20-008 for a Variance at 3244 Sandeen, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the two (2) conditions in the May 6, 2020, Report to the City_ Council. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and McClung opposed). B. Resolution 2020-023 —Planning Case 20-004—Venus Avenue- Variance Associate Planner Hartmann stated the Applicants are requesting a variance to build a deck and walkway structure in the front of a single-family detached dwelling on the Subject Property that would encroach into the front yard setback. The Subject Property is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential District and is guided as a Low Density Residential use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The existing walkway and deck is original to the Subject Property and predates the adoption of the Zoning Code. The Applicants are requesting flexibility on the front setback requirement to build a larger deck that would exceed the dimensions of the current deck. The Subject Property is a legal non-conforming lot. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the Subject Property is 120 feet in length and has a lot area of 12,500 square feet. The R1 district standards require a minimum lot length of 130 feet and a minimum size of 14,000 square feet. In addition, the topography of the front yard is unique due to the courtyard designed by the original owner. The proposed variance will not impact any other setback requirements besides the front setback flexibility requested and the property will otherwise conform to all provisions for the R-1 district. Associate Planner Hartmann reviewed the Plan Evaluation, Variance Requirements and offered the following Findings of Fact: 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-1 district. 8. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a provision in the zoning ordinance would cause the landowner practical difficulties.