05-07-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 3 Senior Planner Fransen stated the Applicant is requesting a variance to exceed the maximum structure coverage of 25 percent to 27.3 percent and construct a 4.4 foot by 6.8 foot addition on the principal structure. The existing structure coverage on the Subject Property is 26.9 percent and the proposed addition would increase the coverage to 27.3 percent. The proposed addition would expand the structure footprint by 30 square feet, bringing the total structure coverage from 1643 square feet to 1673 square feet. Section 1320.06 of the Arden Hills City Code requires a maximum structure coverage of 25 percent on residential properties. Senior Planner Fransen explained that the Applicant also submitted a Conditional Use Permit application to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation on the Subject Property for the operation of their piano lessons business. The Applicant is the sole employee of the business and teaches about three (3) to six (6) hours in a day. Piano lesson students are seen one at a time during scheduled times Monday through Friday between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with 30–60-minute breaks between some students. Piano students or their parents park their vehicle in the Subject Property’s driveway and one car departs when another arrives. The Applicant states that one student and their parent would be on the premises during a lesson and that lessons are conducted entirely within the home. There is no exterior evidence of the piano lesson business outside the home and the lessons do not require a separate entrance to the property. 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 the subject property located at 1126 Benton Way. 2. The Subject Property is zoned R-3, Townhouse and Low-density Multiple Dwelling District and is designated for Low Density Residential uses on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 3. The Applicant’s land use application includes a request for a variance to the required R-3 Zoning District maximum structure coverage requirement to construct a 30 square foot principal structure addition. 4. The Subject Property is part of the Hunters Park neighborhood development. If a variance is required for a proposed alteration, the Architectural and Environmental Committee of the Hunters Park Homeowners Association shall review and approve the proposed addition or alteration before submitting the same to the City. 5. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-3 Zoning District. 6. The Applicant has provided documentation that the Hunters Park Homeowners Association Architectural and Environmental Committee and both of their neighbors have reviewed and approved the submitted plans. 7. The Applicant states that the addition would be located between the house and the garage and that most people would be unlikely even to notice it is there. 8. The proposed addition would result in the Subject Property having an increased structure coverage of 27.3 percent. Variance Criteria Findings: 9. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance.