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reducing its visibility from the street. The architecture and materials for the addition appear to be in line with the character and style of the existing home, and the above grade portion of the addition would be in line with the existing setback of the home. This addition will impact a spruce tree to the south of the property and an oak tree to the east. Both trees are located within the footprint of the proposed changes. Presently, there are no requirements for tree preservation or landscaping on existing residential lots; however, the applicant is proposing to move the spruce tree farther to the south of the lot in order to save it. The applicant is also showing plans to preserve the oak tree by wrapping the driveway and deck around it. While there can be no guaranty that either tree will survive the construction process, the applicant has taken steps to ensure that the trees will be preserved. It should be noted that most of the homes along Skiles Lane were built in the early 1950s. The subject lot was likely required to meet different setback regulations when the dwelling was constructed in 1954; however, those exact regulations are not available. Although being subject to different regulations when the building was constructed does not automatically warrant the approval of a variance, it may help provide context for why the structure was built with what would now be considered front yard setback encroachments. Based on a quick review of the neighborhood, the 30 foot front yard setbacks appear to be common features on a number of dwellings along Skiles Lane. A full survey of the neighborhood would be needed to verify the exact setbacks of other lots. If the Planning Commission recommends approval on this variance, Staff recommends the following six 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 from the Rice Creek Watershed District, and a copy of the RCWD permit or a waiver shall be submitted to the City prior to the issuance of any building permits. 4. The structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. 5. The addition shall be the same color and use the same construction materials as the existing structure. 6. All attempts shall be made by the applicant to move the spruce tree and preserve the oak tree that will be impacted by the project. options The findings in this report are not specific enough to fully support approval or denial of this variance. With a motion to approve or deny the variance, the italicized criteria must be addressed for the record: City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for December 5, 2007 IL4hdocsllahL4HdatalPlanningnanning Casesl2007107-029 Wessberg Variance (PC TABLED)1/20507 - PCReport - Wessberg Variance.doc Page 7 of 9