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ZAWADSKI HOMES, INC 4614 CHURCHILL STREET SHOREVIEW, MN 55126 March 10, 2009 Re: Yauch Variance Request 1156 Amble Drive, Arden Hills To: City Staff, Planning Commission, City Council On behalf of our clients, Elaine Francis and David Yauch, Zawadski Homes submits a variance request application for a false dormer on the garage. The dormer, in size, is 7'-9" wide x 7'-9" tall (see front elevation drawing). The zenith of the dormer is approximately 8' in length extending toward the street (see left elevation drawing). Background In 2008, the Yauch residence experienced an electrical fire that substantially damaged the home. After an extended period of insurance claim work, it was determined that the upper wood structure was damaged beyond what made sense to repair. The foundation was saved, and the structure above is being replaced. The shell of the new home will be complete February/March, 2009. With total wood structure replacement, the Yauchs have benefited from the ability to modernize the exterior architectural design. The new home design is by Ben Nelson, with drawings provided by D.F.P. Planning & Design, LLC., which offices out of Blaine. Zawadski Homes has contracted its architectural work from this firm for many years. After several plan meetings and design review with Arden Hills staff, all issues were resolved, allowing the new house design to proceed on the old block foundation. Late in the permitting process, however, it was determined that setbacks at the garage area create a situation where the garage dormer added volume to the roof (previous home did not have a garage dormer). The applicant elected to remove the dormer from the permit plan and proceed with construction, as the Yauchs have already been dislocated from their home for a seriously long period. Variance Request 1. Aesthetics. First and foremost, architectural design is a serious component of every project. As a builder, Zawadski Homes does not alter the look of a client's home without consulting the designer and the homeowner. Much like the City of Arden Hills pays an architect to design their buildings, our projects are contractual, and the client has contracted for an aesthetic which enhances the character and value of the home. Simply put, the garage dormer is an integral part of the overall design, provides asymmetrical balance, and the designer and owner request that the design remain intact and not be compromised. 2. The house will function properly without the false dormer, and therefore, we are not submitting that the house cannot be put to a reasonable use (without