CC 09-29-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 29.1997 4 . B. Planning Cases 1. #97-18, Gerald Sievers, 3224 Lake Lane, Variance Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, slated the applicant is requesting approval of variances for a front yard setback and size of an accessory structure to allow for the construction of an addition to an existing detached garage. The existing garage has an existing front yard setback of five feet and is 572 square feet in area. The applicant's addition would also have a front yard setback of five feet and would be 312 square feet in area. The minimum front yard setback as required by the Zoning Ordinance is forty feet and the maximum size of an accessory structure is 728 square feet Mr. Ringwald displayed an overhead showing the applicant's lot, location of existing buildings, and the proposed addition. He noted this property is extremely small and, in addition, a severe grade from the street level to the home also needs to be addressed. Mr. Ringwald advised that the Planning Commission, on September 3, 1997, recommended approval of the five foot front yard setback variance (including the existing garage), and the size of an accessory structure 884 square feet variance based on the "Findings-Front Yard Setback and Size of Accessory Structure Variance" identified by staff and subject to the following two conditions: . L No other accessory buildings be constructed on this property. 2. Compliance with the proposed plans as shown on Exhibit A pages 2 01'7 and 301'7 of the Staff memorandum to the Planning Commission dated September 3, 1997. Councilmember Malone agreed this is a very small lot and noted that the existing garage is already out on the street so there is no significant impact on neighbors. He asked if there is only a 2.5 foot sideyard. Mr. Ringwald stated this is correct on the south side of the garage with the north side of the garage meeting the required ten foot setback. Councilmember Malone inquired regarding the rationale to consider the square footage variance. Mr. Ringwald explained that locating an accessory building in the back yard would also require a variance. He explained the applicant would like additional storage area and it seems reasonable to add it to the existing accessory building since locating it anywhere else on the site would require a variance. Councilmember Malone stated he agreed with the rationale to consider a front yard setback. However, he questions the rationale for considering the 884 square foot variance. Mayor Probst stated he is usually not favorably disposed to variances. But, in this case, it would be difficult to attach the garage to the house. Councilmember Malone asked how a future request for an accessory building square foot . variance would be addressed. Mayor Probst stated if that lot had similar restraints and that applicant could demonstrate a hardship, it could be considered.