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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 6 <br />the proposed garage addition as, according to the Applicant, two vehicles cannot be stored and <br />accessed within the existing detached garage. The proposed garage addition would meet <br />applicable building codes and all other regulations in the R-2 District. As a legal nonconforming <br />lot, the existing detached accessory structure is allowed to be maintained through normal <br />maintenance and repairs. The Applicant would not be able to construct the proposed garage <br />addition without a variance. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the site data, existing site conditions, along <br />with the Plan Evaluation. She offered the following Findings of Fact: <br />General Findings: <br />1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-2 Zoning <br />District side yard setback for corner lots and the front yard setback at the Subject Property <br />1945 Edgewater Avenue. <br />2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-2 Zoning District. <br />3. The garage addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the <br />roadways since the existing building line along Prior Avenue will remain the same. <br />4. The existing detached garage is legal nonconforming with a side yard setback of 1.4 feet. <br />5. The proposed garage addition would have a side yard setback for a corner lot of 5.8 feet <br />and does not increase the nonconformity of the lot. <br />6. The proposed garage addition would decrease the required front yard setback to 39.2 feet. <br />Variance Findings: <br />1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and <br />intent of the ordinance. <br />2. The proposed garage addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood <br />because the proposed design will fit with the neighborhood and will not encroach further <br />into the existing garage's corner side yard setback. <br />3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this <br />application at their September 6, 2023, meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of <br />Planning Case 23-016 to decrease the required front yard setback from 40 feet to 39.2 feet and to <br />decrease the required side yard setback for a corner lot from 40 feet to 5.8 feet at 1945 Edgewater <br />Avenue by a 5-0 vote as amended by the conditions: <br />1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. <br />2. The proposed building shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City <br />Councilmember Holden indicated she supported the proposed request. She asked if the siding <br />would match the house. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated all proposed building materials would match <br />the existing house. <br />