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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 13, 2000 3 With regard to circumstances unique to the property, stafffound the property in question meets all the minimum dimensional and area standards except the 120 foot depth requirement. The current house and garage meet the required setbacks. The garage addition can be expanded east three more feet without requiring a variance allowing for a 19 by 24 foot (456 square foot) garage addition. There is room for an addition to the west; however, the garage addition would not work well with the existing intcrior configuration. The applicant currently has a 22 by 24 foot (528 square foot) two-car garage. The proposed addition is 16 by 32 feet (512 square feet) for a total of 1,040 square feet of garage space. The City Ordinance does not restrict the size of attached garage space. It does, however restrict detached garages to 728 square feet. Ms. Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommends denial of Planning Case #00-12, rear yard variance for a garage addition based on the "Findings - Rear Yard Setback Variance" section of the staff report dated March 1, 2000. Mayor Probst asked whether a variance is required for the alternative site plan. Ms. Randall confirnled a variance is not required. Mayor Probst noted, for the benefit of the applicant, that the request could not be resubmitted for 6 months if the Council denies it. Ms. Randall added that the applicant could only reapply if the configuration was modified. Mr. Lawrence Erickson, 1860 Indian Place, stated that he prefers his proposal, which is more attractive and a better investment. He added the unusually short depth of his property requires him to obtain the variance. Councilmember Larson asked how much of the current garage could be used for a workshop. Mr. Erickson stated that he works on hobby cars, and requires at least a 22 foot deep garage for the workshop to be attached. Council member Aplikowski asked whether the cul-de-sac on which the home is situated is elevated above thc homes to its south. Mr. Erickson stated the southerly lots are above the cul- de-sac, adding those homes are situated to the front of their lots. Mayor Probst asked why the applicant is opposed to the alternative plan in which the workshop would be located to the side. He added, in his opinion, this plan would be more consistent with the design of the existing home with regard to roofing and lines. Mr. Erickson stated he didn't believe he would like the appearance. Mayor Probst statcd that a hardship must be identified for the variance to be granted. He noted that the applicant has some options, and in his opinion it is difficult to determine a hardship. Paul Trcis, the applicant's neighbor, expressed concern that the proposed site plan depictions contain inaccuracies with regard to his property and home. He added the proposed addition would encroach upon his property line and affect the property values of all the homes on the cul- de-sac from an appearance standpoint. He expressed concern that this variance would create a precedence, and requested the Council take more time to study the issue.