03-08-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 7, 2022 2 was constructed in 1939 and the detached garage was added in 1961. The original legal description for the subject property has a described property boundary of 1.0689-acres (46,561 SF). Between 1949 and 2014, there have been four acquisitions of land by the State of Minnesota and Ramsey County for highway right-of-way purposes. As a result of the ROW dedication, the parcel size has been reduced to 0.62-acre (27,098 SF) as shown on the survey provided. The reduction in lot area due to the dedication of ROW is primarily along the north and northeast sides of the property which is considered to be the front yard for the Subject Property. Today, the property is considered legal nonconforming with a front yard setback of 25 feet as measured from the northeast corner of the home. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Applicants are proposing to demolish the existing structures and rebuild one principal structure (i.e. single family dwelling with attached garage) on the Subject Property. In considering the city code requirements and environmental features of the property, the Applicants have determined the most suitable location to rebuild would be to shift and orientate the new structure south/southeast of the current structure location. The new home location would require a variance to allow a front yard setback of 28 feet versus 40 feet as required by city code. The proposed project complies with all other applicable city code requirements for the R-1 Zoning District (i.e. structure coverage, FAR, impervious surface, etc.) and Shoreland regulations. Community Development Director Jagoe reported at their October 17, 2022 meeting, the City Council reviewed the concept plans for the proposed redevelopment of the Subject Property. Overall, the City Council acknowledged the rational for the reduced front yard setback request given the additional right-of-way acquisitions that had occurred over time. At that time, there were no suggested changes to the conceptual site layout. The Applicants were encouraged to review the rear yard sightlines to make sure that the view of the adjacent property was not obstructed by the placement of the new dwelling. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the site data, 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 the required R-1 Zoning District front yard setback at the Subject Property 1861 Highway 96 W. 2. The Subject Property is a nonconforming lot of record attributed to State and County right-of-way acquisitions for highway purposes that resulted in a front yard setback encroachment of 25.05 feet and does not comply with the minimum R-1 district standards of 40 feet. 3. The proposed redevelopment would bring the Subject Property closer to conformance with the R-1 district standards and reduces the front yard setback encroachment at 28.92 feet. 4. The proposed single-family dwelling would not require a side yard, rear yard, or Shoreland setback variance. 5. The proposed single-family dwelling on the Subject Property would conform to all other requirements and standards of the R-1 Zoning District. Variance Findings: