4B, PC 07-029, Variance at 1455 Skiles Lane

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permit most of this addition to be located below grade and thus not be visible from Skiles Lane. Because of this lot configuration, alternative locations for a two car garage that meets building code are extremely limited. Along Skiles Lane, the existing structure encroaches ten feet into the 40 foot front yard setback (Attachment B). The proposed addition would increase the encroachment by 13 feet; however, the above grade portion of the addition would remain in line with the existing 30 foot setback for the structure. The dwelling was constructed prior to the current zoning regulations and is likely a legally non-conforming structure. The rest of the dwelling and attached garage would remain unchanged. The applicant has submitted a letter addressing the variance criteria, a site plan of the property, and elevations of the proposed structure (Attachment B). Findinl!:s of Fact The Planning Commission offers the following fifteen findings of fact for review: General Findings 1. The lot depth and width exceed the minimum R-l requirements. The lot size of 13,939 square feet is nonconforming in the R-l Zone. 2. The existing structure encroaches ten feet into the forty foot front yard setback along Skiles Lane. The structure meets all other R -1 setback requirements. 3. The proposed addition would encroach 24 feet into the front yard setback. Approximately 480 square feet of the proposed addition would encroach into the front yard setback, of this 96 square feet would be above grade and visible from Skiles Lane. The area of the addition outside of the setbacks does not require a variance. The proposed addition would be in line with the existing home, and the portion visible from Skiles Lane would step back with the existing structure. 4. The proposed addition does not encroach on the required front yard setback along Snelling Avenue. 5. The existing and proposed lot coverage meets the R-l Zone requirements. 6. The existing garage does not meet the ceiling height requirements of the Building Code, thus the proposed garage would bring the property into greater conformance with modern building code requirements. 7. The dwelling with the proposed addition would not exceed the 35 foot height limit. 8. Dwellings and garages are permitted structures within the R-l Zone. 9. The existing dwelling and the proposed garage are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. Variance Findings: 10. A garage and addition are permitted and reasonable uses within the R-l Zone. llAhdocsllahlAHdata\PlanninglPlanning Cases\2007\07-029 Wessberg Variance (PC Approved) \022508 - CC Report - Wessberg Variance.doc Page 2 of4