09-24-07 Item 4E, PC07-21 Variance at 1907 County Road D

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The applicant has submitted a description of the proposed addition, a response to the variance evaluation criteria, and a survey of the property (Attachment 3B-I of the September 5, 2007 Planning Case Report). Findine:s of Fact Staff offers the following thirteen findings of fact for review: General Findings I. The lot size and width exceed the minimum R-2 requirements. The lot width of 65 feet is nonconforming in the R-2 Zone. 2. The existing garage encroaches 2.65 feet and the entryway encroaches 4.65 feet into the forty foot front yard setback. The structure meets all other R-2 setback requirements. 3. The proposed addition would encroach 2.65 feet into the front yard setback. Approximately 12.5 square feet of the proposed 257 square foot addition is within the front yard setback. The area of the addition outside of the setbacks does not require a variance. The proposed addition would be in line with the existing garage. 4. The proposed addition does not encroach on the rear or front setbacks. 5. The existing and proposed lot coverage meets the R-2 Zone requirements. 6. The dwelling with the proposed addition would not exceed the 35 foot height limit. 7. Dwellings are permitted structures within the R-2 Zone. 8. The existing dwelling and the proposed garage are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. 9. The lot was created and the structure was built prior to the incorporation of the City of Arden Hills. The structure was built in 1941. Variance Findings: 10. A dwelling and addition are reasonable uses within the R-2 Zone. 11. This situation is unique because the substandard lot was created and developed prior to the incorporation of the City of Arden Hills and before current code requirements. 12. Since the proposed addition would not encroach any farther into the front yard setback than the existing structure, the addition is unlikely to have a negative impact on the property or the neighborhood. The continued encroachment would not have a noticeable visual impact. 13. The proposed plans and setback variance for the dwelling do not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. Recommendation The Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval (7-0) of Planning Case 07-021 for a variance at 1907 County Road D based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the four conditions in the September 5,2007, planning case report. 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. \\Metro-inetlardenhillslPlanninglPlanning Cases\2007\07-021 Rakow Variance (PCApproved)\092407 ~ CC Reporl- Rakow Variance. doc Page 2 of3