10-04-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION — September 6, 2023 2 Senior Planner Fransen stated Robert Williams ("Applicant") has requested a variance to construct an addition to the north and south elevation of an existing detached garage on the property located at 1945 Edgewater Avenue ("Subject Property"). The Applicant has requested a variance to decrease the required side yard setback for corner lots from the minimum requirement of 40 feet to 5.8 feet and decrease the required front yard setback from the minimum requirement of 40 feet to 39.2 feet. The Applicant is proposing a four -foot -wide addition on both sides of the garage to expand the existing garage width from 18.4 feet to 26.4 feet. The addition would add 128 square feet to the existing garage. Senior Planner Fransen 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 the required R-2 Zoning District side yard setback for corner lots and the front yard setback at the Subject Property 1945 Edgewater Avenue. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-2 Zoning District. 3. The garage addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the roadways since the existing building line along Prior Avenue will remain the same. 4. The existing detached garage is legal nonconforming with a side yard setback of 1.4 feet. 5. The proposed garage addition would have a side yard setback for a corner lot of 5.8 feet and does not increase the nonconformity of the lot. 6. The proposed garage addition would decrease the required front yard setback to 39.2 feet. Variance Findings: 1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 2. The proposed garage addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the proposed design will fit with the neighborhood and will not encroach further into the existing garage's corner side yard setback. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission for Planning Case 23-016 for a Variance at 1945 Edgewater Avenue: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 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. 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Vice Chair Wicklund opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Collins asked why the Commission was reviewing this request when City setbacks were not being met by the existing detached structure.