CCP 03-25-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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tit tit .. ... Mindy J. Schulke David J. Natale Jr. 3159 Shorewood Drive Arden Hills, MN 55112 ------'i"--Feerl:Jal'y-c2002u- Re: Variance Application Dear Sir/Madam: Please accept our application for a variance from the City's zoning ordinance for an accessory to our residence at 3159 Shorewood Drive. Approval of this variance would allow us to replace the existing deck on the front (East side) of our house. This deck is almost forty years old and is original to the house, built in 1963. The existing deck projects 5'8" from the front of the Northeast end of the house. This end of the house is 40.9' (approximately 40'11") from the property line. Therefore, the existing deck is 35'3" from the property line, although city code requires 37 feet. Our new proposed deck, slightly angled toward the house from its Northeast corner, extends 7'6" at this, its widest corner; or 33'S" from the property line. Our proposed plan to replace the deck was designed by Rich Laffin of Rich Laffin Architects. His proposed deck design includes an attached canopy over the front entrance. This canopy provides protection from the elements for visitors as well as serving as the design element which ties the left and right sides of the house together. The proposed canopy projects approximately 5' from the house. The proposed deck and entrance canopy contribute good architectural design to the house and neighborhood. In addition, the wider, angled deck provides enough width to place furniture but still allow movement around the furniture. Since a door on the second floor living space opens onto the deck and the deck is almost forty years old, it seems imperative the deck be replaced for safety reasons. The proposed replacement will add architectural design to the neighborhood and improve the run-down look of the front of our house. And we are not the only house on our side of the street to incorporate a deck on the front of the house: our East facing decks afford a small but worthwhile view of Little Lake Johanna across the street. For all the reasons detailed above, our proposal for a new deck and entrance canopy meets the five hardship criteria for the variance. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this application.