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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 5, 2021 2 Residential District, and is guided as Low Density Residential in the land use plan. Section 1320.06 of the Arden Hills City Code requires a side yard setback of 40 feet on corner lots. Planning Consultant Bemis stated according to the Applicant’s narrative submitted as a part of his application, the Subject Property includes unique circumstances due to its nontraditional shape. The front of the property includes one curved section and three straight sections that make it difficult for the applicant to conform to current setback regulations. The Subject Property is a legal non- conforming lot, as the required side yard setback for corner lots was ten (10) feet when the property was built in 1953. The Applicant is requesting the proposed garage addition to a llow for more storage space for his vehicles and additional space to store woodworking equipment. The proposed garage addition would meet applicable building codes and all other regulations in the R-1 District. The applicant would not be able to construct the proposed garage addition without a variance. Planning Consultant Bemis reported the Planning Commission is being asked to determine if a variance request for flexibility with the side yard setback of a corner lot should be approved. The sketches that have been submitted show the location of the proposed garage addition and the proposed driveway addition. The evaluation of the proposal should be based on the District Provisions in Section 1320 and the Requirements for a Variance in Section 1355.04, Subd. 4. Planning Consultant Bemis reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to decrease the minimum side yard setback on a single family dwelling at the Subject Property 4073 Valentine Court. 2. A single-family detached dwelling is a permitted use in the R-1 district. 3. The Subject Property is non-conforming with the R-1 district’s standards for minimum side yard setbacks on a corner lot. 4. The proposed garage addition would be located 7.82 feet from the Northwest side yard property line. 5. The proposed garage addition of the subject parcel would conform to all other requirements and standards of the R-1 district. 6. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a provision in the zoning ordinance would cause the landowner practical difficulties. 7. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. Planning Consultant Bemis recommended two conditions of approval for Planning Case 21-006 for a Variance at 4073 Valentine Court, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans: 1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. 2. The proposed building shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City Code. Planning Consultant Bemis reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments.