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To: Arden Hills Planning Commission From: Katie Bach and Nate Cmiel 1861 Highway 96 W Arden Hills, MN 55112 Subject: Setback variance request for new home build — 1861 Highway 96 W Date: 17 Nov 2022 Dear Arden Hills Planning Commission members, Attachment C We are requesting a variance to front yard setback requirements in order to build a new home (house with attached garage) to replace the existing structures (house and detached garage) on our property at 1861 Hwy 96 West. Specific variances requested is: • Front yard minimum setback of 28'11", rather than 40' as required per section 1320.06 for residential R1 We have included an attached presentation which provides background on our property and proposal, including historical changes to property lines over time due to highway expansion, proposed new home placement with requested front setback variance, and comparison to neighboring homes front setbacks. We have also attached our proposed project plan and site survey. Below is a summary of our proposal relative to the city's evaluation criteria for a variance: 1. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls Meeting all front setback requirements would overly restrict the available build area size and shape and would not allow reasonable use for residential purposes. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner As shown in the attached presentation, the property size has been eroded over time due to highway easements which define the front setback requirements. Additionally, the unique irregular lot shape, position on Round Lake, and lot elevations restrict possible home placement. 3. The deviation from the Ordinance with any attached conditions will still be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Ordinance The new home proposed will still be in keeping with the spirit and intent of setback requirements. In the front, the proposed home generally meets the 40' setback requirement, especially when the nature of the highway easements which define the setbacks are considered, and is positioned similarly to neighboring homes which are set at less than 40'. 4. The variance will not create a land use not permitted in the zone Land use will remain single family residential as zoned. 5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the City Essential character of the city will not be altered by the new home's placement on our property. In fact, the proposal preserves the majority of mature trees on the property, which help to define the character of the city.