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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 3, 2024 2 from 40 feet to 29.6 feet. The existing principal structure is nonconforming with the front yard setback requirement and has a front yard setback of 36.5 feet. The Applicant is proposing a 36.2 foot by 7 foot covered porch addition that would encroach further into the required front yard setback. The addition would add 253 square feet to the existing structure. 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-1 Zoning District front yard setback at the Subject Property 1666 Oak Avenue. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-1 Zoning District. 3. Section 1320.06 of the Arden Hills City Code requires a front yard setback of 40 feet within the R-1 Zoning District. 4. The covered front porch addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the roadways. 5. The existing principal structure is nonconforming with the front yard setback of 36.5 feet. 6. Section 1325.03 Subd. 2(D) establishes provisions for the expansion of nonconforming single and two-family dwellings. 7. The proposed covered front porch addition would have a front yard setback of 29.6 feet and does increase the nonconformity of the lot. 8. Section 1325.03 Subd. 2(E) establishes provisions for the addition of a covered front porch and would allow for a covered porch addition with a setback decrease of up to 9.125 feet based on the setback of the existing principal structure. 9. The proposed covered front porch addition would decrease the existing front yard setback by 6.9 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 covered front porch addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the proposed design will integrate with the existing structure and will be compatible with the neighborhood. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the motion options available to the Planning Commission for Planning Case 23-023 for a Variance to construct a covered front porch addition with a 29.6 front yard setback at 1666 Oak 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. 3. The proposed covered porch shall not be converted to a four season porch. 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table