05-04-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 5 of 9 addition would maintain the existing building line of the structure at a setback of 5.8 feet from the south side yard property line. The proposed addition would conform to rear setback requirements. The structure located on the parcel south of the Subject Property is approximately 18 feet from the existing structure. Landscaped Area In the R-3 District, the minimum landscaped area required without a variance is 65% of the property or 3,900 square feet. The Subject Property has an existing landscaped area of 3,906 square feet or 65%. The proposed addition would decrease the total landscaped area to 3,710 square feet, or 62% percent of the property. Structure Coverage The R-3 District allows for a maximum structure coverage of 25% or 1,500 square feet on the Subject Parcel. The existing structure coverage is 1,626 square feet or 27%. This does not conform to the requirements of Section 1320.06 of the Arden Hills City Code. The proposed addition would increase the total structure coverage by 196 square feet for a total of 1,822 square feet, or 30% of the Subject Property. Floor Area Ratio In the R-3 District, the maximum allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is 0.3, or 1,800 square feet on the Subject Property. The existing floor area is 1,837 square feet, equally a FAR of .31. The proposed addition will increase the FAR to 0.36, or 2,188 square feet. 2. Variance Review The role of the Planning Commission is to determine and consider how the facts presented to them compare with the city’s articulated standards. The Commission should base their decision on the facts presented and then apply those facts to the legal standards contained in city ordinances and relevant state law. Neighborhood opinion alone is not a valid basis for granting or denying a variance request. While the Planning Commission may feel their decision should reflect the overall will of the residents, the task in considering a variance request is limited to evaluating how the variance application meets the statutory practical difficulties factors. Residents can often provide important facts that may help in addressing these factors, however, unsubstantiated opinions and reactions to a request do not form a legitimate basis for a variance decision. The Planning Commission may impose conditions when granting variances as long as the conditions are directly related and bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. For instance, if a variance is granted to exceed the front setback limit, any conditions attached should presumably relate to mitigating the effect of the encroachment. 3. Variance Requirements – Section 1355.04, Subd. 4 The Applicants request a variance to construct a 14’ by 12’ deck and a 14’ by 14’ home addition. The Planning Commission will need to make a determination utilizing the following variance findings and criteria on whether there are practical difficulties with complying with the zoning regulations. If the applicants do not meet all the factors of the statutory test, then a variance should not be granted. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance.