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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 addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because <br />the proposed design will look and feel consistent with the existing structure. <br />The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. <br />Options and Motion Language <br />Staff has provided the following options and motion language for this case. The Planning <br />Commission should consider providing additional findings of fact as part of the motion to support <br />their recommendation for approval or denial. <br />• Recommend Approval with Conditions: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case <br />24-010 for a Variance to construct an attached garage addition with a 23.33 side yard <br />setback on a corner lot at 1784 Gramsie Road, based on the findings of fact and the <br />submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the June 5, 2024, Report to the Planning <br />Commission: <br />1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. <br />2. The proposed building addition shall conform to all other standards and regulations in <br />the City Code. <br />Recommend Approval as Submitted: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 24- <br />010 for a Variance to construct an attached garage addition with a 23.33 side yard setback <br />on a corner lot at 1784 Gramsie Road, based on the findings of fact and the submitted <br />materials in the June 5, 2024, Report to the Planning Commission. <br />• Recommend Denial: Motion to recommend denial Planning Case 24-010 for a Variance to <br />construct an addition with a 23.33 side yard setback on a corner lot at 1784 Gramsie Road, <br />based on the following findings: findings to deny should specifically reference the reasons <br />for denial and why those reasons cannot be mitigated. <br />Table: Motion to table Planning Case 24-010 for a Variance to construct an addition with <br />a 23.33 side yard setback on a corner lot at 1784 Gramsie Road: a specific reason and <br />information request should be included with a motion to table. <br />Notice <br />Although a variance does not require a public hearing, a public meeting notice was prepared by <br />the City and mailed to properties within 500 feet of the Subject Property on May 23, 2024. A <br />public meeting notice for this planning case was published in the Pioneer Press on May 23, 2024. <br />Minnesota statute does not clearly require a public hearing before a variance is granted or denied, <br />however, after consulting with the City Attorney, staff agree that the best practice is to allow public <br />forum on all variance requests. A public forum allows the city to establish a record and elicit facts <br />to help determine if the application meets the practical difficulties factors. <br />Staff has not received any written or verbal comments regarding this proposal as of May 30, 2024. <br />Page 6 of 7 <br />