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---------- 4. There is no identifiable hardship related to use, access, topography, size, or shape of the lot. 5. While the second access point is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on the . neighborhood, a two access driveway would be a unique feature in the neighborhood and a new, nonconfonning use. Crushed Rock Surface Variance Findings: 6. There are no unique circumstances related to lot size, shape, or topography that warrant an unimproved driveway. The lot is currently below the impervious coverage limits for the R-I Zone and the Shoreland Ordinance. Permitting a crushed rock driveway would have little impact on reducing runoff due to the compaction of the rock from vehicle movement and parking. 7. The variance would not be in keeping with the spirit and intcnt of the ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance requires properties to have a driveway with an improved surface. 8. Thcre is reasonablc use and access to the property with an improvcd surface driveway. 9. There is no identifiable hardship related to use, access, topography, size, or shape of the lot. 10. While the crushed rock driveway is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on the neighborhood, the crushed roek driveway would be a unique feature in the neighborhood and a new, nonconfonning use. Staff Recommendation While the variance requests are unlikely to have a negative impact on the immediate . neighborhood, Staff has been unable to identify a certifiable hardship for either variance request. A single access, improved driveway would be similar in character to most other properties in the neighborhood and most other properties in the City. Although the variance requests are unlikely to hmm the neighborhood, it may set a preeedent for future requests of the same nature. As noted in the above Plan Evaluation section of this report, the Zoning Ordinance requires a paved surface for driveways. While a crushed rock driveway is certainly not a paved surface, it is conceivable that a crushed rock drivcway could be considered an "improved surface," though it should not be classified as a completely pervious surface. If the Planning Commission determines that a crushed rock surface is within the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance, Staff would recommend amending the Ordinance to include crushed rock as an approved surface for a driveway since it is dii1icult to find any discern able hardship to approve this particular variance request. Although each variance request is considered unique, approving this variance application for a crushed rock surface driveway is likely to lead to similar applications in the future. Should the Planning Commission wish to permit the crushed rock surface, Staff would then recommend tabling or denying this variance application for the crushed rock surface driveway City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting/or October 4,2006 . IIMctTO-inet.llSlardcnhillsIPlallnfngIP/anning Cases1.2006\06-030 Lis Variance (PENDING)\091806 PC Report - Li~.,. Variance. doc Page 6 of 8