09-05-07-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Staff Analvsis The findings of fact for this variance requests do not specifically support a recommendation for denial or approval. A single family home is a permitted use in the R-3 Zone, and the addition is not an unreasonable use in the R-3 Zone. The variance is unlikely to create a negative impact on the neighborhood or City because there is already a structure on the property, the proposed addition will not be significantly closer to any nearby structures, and the additional lot coverage is likely offset by the shared green space throughout Hunters Park. It does not appear that the variance is based on economic considerations alone. Additionally, the property owner has received approval from the Homeowners Association for the addition. As is often the case, the evaluation criterion that states "The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner," is the difficult evaluation criterion. The fact that the original PUD does not include specific standards for this neighborhood is somewhat unusual, and applying the R-3 regulations does make it difficult to upgrade these generally smaller homes. The relatively small lot size does make altering the structure difficult under the R-3 regulations. However, there are not any unique topographical conditions related to the variance. Before making a motion for approval or denial, this specific variance evaluation criterion must be addressed for the official record. If the Planning Commission recommends approval on this variance, Staff recommends the following four conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission. 2. The applicant shall use best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion at all times during construction. 3. The applicant shall obtain approval or a waiver from the Rice Creek Watershed District prior to the issuance of any building permits. 4. The structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. Outions The findings in this report are not specific enough to fully support approval or denial of variances one. With a motion to approve or deny variance number one, the italicized criteria must be addressed for the record: 1. The proposed addition is/is not a reasonable use in the R-3 Zone because... 2. The proposed addition will/will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or the City because... 3. The circumstances in this planning case are/are not unique to the property because ... 4. The variance is/is not based on economic considerations alone because. . . City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meetingfor September 5, 2007 Page 8 of9 \\Metro-inet.uslardenhi//slPlanninglPlanning Cases\2007\07-020 Bacig Variancel090507 - PC Report - Bacig Variance. doc