CCP 04-24-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - APRIL 5, 2000 14 The applicant currently does not have a garage or driveway. The applicant utilizes a few parking tit spaces on a short drive just off Shoreline Lane. The proposed garage would be 643 square feet (23 '6" by 27' -4"). The garage is proposed to be 27' -4"; however, the applicant is proposing a 3- foot wide stairway in the rear of the garage. The home currently is a four level split with three bedrooms. The addition is proposed to be 25 x 28 feet and would have additional bedroom space. To connect an addition or garage to the house, two bedrooms would be eliminated leaving only one bedroom. The new addition would create four small bedrooms. The addition and garage will be constructed using similar materials to the existing home. Staff looked for alternative locations such as reducing the addition or moving the garage and addition to run along the front of the home. The lot has the space to accommodate the addition and garage in the buildable area; however, the slope from Shoreline Lane to the front of the home would create a drainage problem for the garage. The addition alone does not show a hardship. A garage could be constructed on this site without direct access to the home; thus no reduction in bedrooms would occur. However, if the garage is constructed at or behind the required 40 foot setback there would be some drainage issues due to the very steep slope. The front cntrance is in the center ofthe home. An addition blocking the front door would make entry to the home confusing for visitors. By moving the garage addition back, the slope of the lot creates a problem. Substantial grading tit would need to occur or rainwater would drain into the garage and home. There have not been similar variances granted in this neighborhood; however, there are several other garages in the area that are closer than 40 feet. The slope ofthe lot makes it difficult to add a garage in front of the existing home without causing drainage problems. Other properties in the immediate area have a similar setback. The property currently does not have a garage. The proposed garage is not larger than necessary (standard two car). Moving fue addition and garage back would cause drainage problems. There are ways of draining water around the garage entrance; however, these tend to freeze in the winter/spring, causing problems. The addition could be minimized allowing fue garage to be moved back; however, drainage problems will occur. The additional bedrooms would not be needed if the existing bedrooms were not disturbed by a hallway. Ms. Randall advised that Staff recommends approval of Planning Case #00-19, front yard setback variance (27 feet proposed where 40 is required) for an addition and garage with I condition. If the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on this Planning Case, then it .- would be heard at the Monday, April 24, 2000, regular meeting of the City Council. .. Chair Erickson stated Staff seems confident that all alternatives have been explored, adding the slope seems to present significant drainage issues. Commissioner Sand stated that the applicant