CCP 07-30-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Request for Variance for Construction of a Two-Car Garage at 3346 Lake Johanna Blvd. and Removal of Existing Single Car Garage Submitted by Robert and Cynthia Teeling June 4, 2001 To the City of Arden Hills: We propose to have a two-car garage, constructed by Sussel Builders, built to replace the existing single car garage. The location of both buildings is considered the front yard by the city. Our lot has Lake Johanna Boulevard on the west side and Lake Johanna on the east side. We are requesting the variance in order to make use of our property in similar fashion to our neighbors around the lake, and to have a place for both of our vehicles. The current single car garage will be removed. 1. The circumstances are unique to the lake property as construction on the lakeside would not likely be approved by the DNR, city of Arden Hills or Rice Creek Watershed district because the building would be within the 75 foot set back requirement. In addition, putting a driveway to the backyard (lakeside) would require cutting down three 100 yr. old maple trees and one 50 yr. old spruce. There would have to be extensive grading and fill because of the topography of the lot. This would change the drainage flow for many neighbors and increase run off to the lake. Removal of the existing garage would also address EXCEL Energy's concern about the location of a gasline they believe is under that structure. 2. If the spirit and intent of the zoning codes is to allow owners to develop their property for reasonable use while paying attention to the aesthetics of the immediate neighborhood, this project is in keeping with the spirit and intent of those codes. We plan to match the next door neighbor's existing garage in height, length, width, set back and roofline. All the other garages on the lakeside of Lake Johannan Blvd. are in the "front yard." 3. Without the variance being granted, we will not have an option for a two car garage, which we need to keep our property looking neat and clean. Neither will we have a place to protect our vehicles from the weather and vandalism. Because of an existing sewer feeder line in the middle of our front yard, over which nothing can be built, there is no other place to put this garage. 4. The hardship was created over 80 years ago with the first building on this lot. We purchased this lot and the buildings currently on it in 1986. 5. Since we will be matching the immediate neighbor's garage in all aspects, it will be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Placement of the proposed garage would not obstruct the view of any of the neighbors, and would not cause any safety issues for access to Lake Johanna Blvd.