CCP 03-13-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. The applicant is also proposing to expand the existing 449 square foot accessory structure by 282 square feet to a total of 731 square feet. The accessory structure is currently non-conforming due to the encroachments on the front and side yard setbacks and because it is in the front yard, . which is not allowed. All but the last 3.2 feet of the proposed addition would be in the front yard setback. While the addition will not be any closer to the lot lines than the existing structure, the addition will be as close to the lot line as the existing structure at just 2.3 feet from the side yard lot line. The minimum side yard accessory structure setback is 10 feet. Finally, with the addition, the height of the accessory structure would increase from roughly twelve feet to approximately 21 feet 9 inches at the peak. A variance is not needed for the height because the acccssory structure would be shortcr than the dwelling. For additional background information, please refer to the March 1,2006, Planning Case report. This report is available online at http://www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us/CouncilandCommittees/PlaMingCommissionlMar06PC.htm. Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission did review the variances separately since one is not contingent upon the other. The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the variance to construct an addition to the principal structure (PC# 06-006a); however, the Planning Commission does not have a recommendation for the variance to construct an addition to the accessory structure (PC# 06-006b). The varianccs and their recommendations are outlined separately. PC# 06-006a: Principal Structure Variance- Recommended for approval Based on the following seven findings of fact, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the variance to construct an addition to the principal struetnre: I. Except for the southern side yard lot line encroachment, the dwelling addition meets all other requirements of the R-2 Zone. The total structural coverage with all proposed additions is estimated at 24.5 percent, total landscaped lot area is 66.2 percent, and total impervious coverage is estimated at 33.8 percent. 2. The circumstances related to this variance are unique to the property. The width of the lot, which was created before the currcnt Zoning Ordinance was in place, severely limits any expansion of the principal structure. Furthennore, the twenty foot utility easement in front of the dwelling would make it difficult to construct a porch or entry way at the front of the structure despite being outside of the 40 foot front yard setback. 3. Granting this variance would be in keeping with the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed addition to the dwelling is an open air porch; therefore, the slight encroachment of the addition would likely be unnoticeable and not affect neighboring properties. The proposed addition is in line with the existing structure and creates a more coherent look than if the addition were stepped back from the dwelling to meet the required side setback. 4. The applicant does currently have reasonable use of the property with thc existing dwelling and accessory structure without the additions. However, the unique II,Merro-inet.U$\l7rdcnhillsIPlanningW/a/Uling Case.~\2006\06-006 Westlzmd variance (PENDfNG)IOJ0206 CC Reporl- Westlund Variance. doc Page 2 of6 . .