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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MAY 23, 2022 9 Variance Findings: 11. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 12. A single-family detached dwelling with an addition is a reasonable use within the R-3 District. 13. The nonconforming lot size for the R-3 District, which was approved as part of the Hunters Park Planned Unit Development, and the substantial amount of shared open space that is part of the development, presents a unique situation for the property owner. 14. The proposed addition will not reduce the existing side yard setbacks. The addition will not require a rear yard setback variance. The nearest dwelling unit to the south of the Subject Property is approximately 18 feet away. 15. The increase in lot coverage and the decrease in landscaped area are unlikely to have a negative impact on the Hunters Park Development, due to the abundance of shared greenspace throughout the development. There is a total of seven acres of Homeowners Association common greenspace throughout the neighborhood. 16. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. 17. The Applicants have received approval from the Hunters Park Architectural and Environmental Committee for the proposed addition. City Planner Jagoe commented further on the request and reported the Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case 22-004, for a Variance at 1152 Benton Way as presented in the May 23, 2022 Report to the City Council as amended by the conditions below: 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 City Code. Councilmember Holmes reported the Council received a comment objecting to this variance today from the public. Councilmember Holden stated the applicant was proposing a significant increase to a small lot. She asked if a smaller addition would better fit the City’s requirements. City Planner Jagoe commented the existing structure coverage already exceeded the City’s maximum requirement. She noted any addition to this property would trigger a variance. Councilmember Scott discussed the proposed finished area, which would be under the deck, noting the deck would remain the same. Bill Guelker, 1152 Benton Way, thanked the Council for considering his request. He stated the current deck was 12’ by 20’ and this would be removed. He explained he would like to put a two story 14’ by 14’ gabled addition onto the home along with a 12’ by 14’ deck in the space where the existing deck was located. He reported the addition would house a dining room that would better meet the needs of his family. He indicated his home backed up to Bethel University and there was only woods behind his house. He stated he would like to take advantage of the view from the back of his home. Councilmember Holden questioned how far the current deck extends from the house.