PCP 01-04-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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VARIANCE . Variance Criteria When considering a Variance, the Commission must determine whether the conditions required for a variance are present. Adherence to the provisions of the ordinance is required except for special cases, which arise because of the configuration of a particular parcel. The condition shall not have been created by the landowner. A variance or variances may be granted from specific provisions of this ordinance because such land factors as length of a side of a lot, the shape of the lot or the unusual terrain prohibit reasonable development equivalent to that which would be permitted without variance on a similar size lot located in the same district, but which lot has no unusual configuration. Economic conditions alone shall not be grounds for a variance. In no case shall the granting of a variance impair the health, safety, comfort and general welJilre of the public, nor will it be contrary to the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan, the official map, or this or any other ordinance of the city. Applicant's Statement The applicant states that hardship is present due to the unique circumstances created by the fire, lot characteristics and character of neighborhood. The existing home was severely damaged by an accidental fire that started in an cnelosed patio. The property is adjacent to roadways on three sides causing the buildablc area of the parcel to be limited. The property also has an irregular shape that contributes to the limited buildable area. . Granting of the variance would permit the construction of a new home utilizing the footprint of the existing home. Tile proposed home would not impede visibility at the street intersection and would compliment the neighborhood. STAFF REVIEW The staff has reviewed this proposal in accordance with the variance criteria and believes hardship is present. The applicant's proposal is reasonable due to the property's characteristics and character of the neighborhood. The reconstruction of a home on the property utilizing the same footprint area is reasonable. The property's frontage on three roadways does limit the buildability of the parcel when the minimum street setbacks are proposed. The property also has a unique shape, which limits the buildable area. The proposed encroachment on these setbacks will not have a negative impact on the neighborhood because this condition was "pre-existing" and the home has been designed to be in scale with the existing home and other homes in the neighborhood. Visibility on the roadways will not be affected since the home is setback approximately 97 feet from the intersection. PUBLIC COMMENT Property owners within neighborhood were notified of the request. One comment in support has bcen received. . 2