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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 22,1999 8 reviewed the pictures of the proposed building area of the home if it were moved back. He noted that the Planning Commission meeting minutes had indicated the applicant felt there would be problems with this option due to the location ofthe driveway. He stated that it was not clear to him that this could not be done. He noted, however, he did understand the financial difficulties of this option for the applicant. Mr. Delich stated that a number of other points had been brought up in the letters from himself and the builder. He indicated that, due to the problems with water runoff and the unusual lot shape, the property calls for a variance. Any changes in the location of the home may result in a pool of water in front of the home. Additionally, four out of the six mature trees on the lot would need to be removed. Mr. Delich stated that he had researched the requirements for granting a variance and he feels his circumstances meet these requirements. He indicated that he had been attempting to construct a minimum amount of additional living space and a bedroom. He noted the Planning Commission had been concerned that he would want to build additional structures to the rear of the home in the buildable area and he stated that this was not his intent. Mr. Delich stated that he understands that the City would prefer for the lot to be merged with another, however, he has an amount of money invested into the property and he does not want to lose this investment. He reiterated that he is not proposing a huge home, he is only hoping for a reasonable amount of living space. He indicated that, although the drawings appear to depict large rooms, the location of the stairwells limit the amount ofliving space in the home. Mrs. Delich pointed out that there is currently no closet space or laundry area in the home. Mr. Delich stated that he and his wife are just starting out and they do not need alot of room and he had attempted to limit the size of the addition. He reiterated that the suggested option by the Planning Commission is not reasonable due to the size and sbape of the lot and his financial situation. He indicated he had worked with the Staff in order to come up with other options and was not successful. He feels that this creates a hardship to justify the variance. Councilmember Rem stated that she had driven past the home and the topography of the property would suggest that the existing home had been built on the only buildable area on the lot. She agreed that there may be a drainage issue with the relocation of the home. She expressed her beliefthat, if the City wants these smaller lots to be merged with others, the City should prevent the sale of them. She felt is was not acceptable for the City to allow the property to be bought and then require the home to be torn down. Ms. Denise Probst, 3395 Lake Johanna Blvd, stated she is a neighbor ofthe applicant and she was concerned that the applicant had suggested this was a starter home and may not live there permanently. She expressed her concern that ifthe variance were granted and the home was sold, the new homeowner may want to add onto the building to the rear.