09-05-07-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. Request for a Variance to Build an Addition 1185 Benton Way Arden Hills, MN 55112 July 28, 2007 To Members of the Arden Hills Planning Commission: We are submiuing the attached request for a variance to the Arden Hills zoning codes to accommodate construction of a two-story addition to our existing single-familydwe11ing located at 1185 Benton Way. The property is located within the Hunter's Park Planned Unit Development and was constructed in 1975. Included with this application is the approval for this addition by the Hunter's Park Homeowners Association's Architectural and Environmental Commiuee. In addition, the approval from the three closest neighbors to this property is also included. We are requesting two variances as described in the following paragraphs. The requests are: riiI. A variance from the required side lot set back of 15 feet riiI. A variance from the R-2 zone lot coverage requirement Background The reason for this request for a variance to the set-back requirement is due to the original construction of the Hunter's Park Planned Unit Development. The planned unit development was originally created using high-density housing areas surrounded by abundant green space that is commonly shared among the single-family units. This approach created distances from lot lines that range anywhere from two feet to perhaps ten feet. In the 1980's, the Gtyof Arden Hills Planning Commission decided to adopt the current Arden Hills R-2 zoning requirements as the rules forthe Hunter's Park Planned Unit Development, thereby placing the majority of the single-family units within the development out of compliance with the new set-back rules. Current minimum lot sizes for the Gty of Arden Hills R-2 zone are 85' by 120'. (See Table One) The lot size for our single-family home is 55' by 150', giving us a much narrow lot within which to operate than would currently be allowable for new development. We are proposing a two-story addition consisting of a lower-level kitchen and dining room expansion, an upper-level master suite and bath, and an expanded basement beneath the kitchen! dining room addition. The current single-family homes within the development are relatively small throughout, including very small kitchens and dining rooms and only three bedrooms in most cases. Rather than move, our hope is to stay within the existing neighborhood, creating a home that beuer meets our family's needs, contributes to the stability of the neighborhood, and allows our children to remain in the Mounds View School District. 1