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■ The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality; and, ■ Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Code. Findings of Fact Staff offers the following eighteen findings of fact for review: General Findings l. The lot size meets the requirements of the R-3 Zoning District. 2. The existing home meets all required setbacks. 3. Dwellings are permitted structures within the R-3 Zone. 4. The proposed addition would encroach eight feet into the required front yard setback. 5. The proposed addition would not encroach into any other setbacks. 6. The structure coverage meets Zoning Code requirements. 7. The minimum landscape area requirements meet Zoning Code regulations. 8. The dwelling with the proposed addition would not exceed the 35 foot height limit. — 9. The existing dwelling and the proposed addition are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. 10. There is no proposed tree removal for this project. Variance Findings: 11. Single-family homes are a reasonable use within the R-3 Zoning District because they are permitted within the Zoning Code. 12. The property itself is not unique in the City. The way the home is situated on the lot could be considered unique, as it limits any alternative locations for the addition. 13. The circumstances of the property were not created by the landowner because the lot was platted prior to their taking ownership. 14. The proposed addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the existing homes have inconsistent front yard setbacks, the neighbors are in favor of the project, and the addition would improve the front fagade of the home. 15. The proposed plans and setback variance for the dwelling do not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. Recommendation The findings of fact for this variance request do not specifically support a recommendation for denial or approval. A single family home is a permitted use in the R-3 Zone, and the addition of an entryway into the home is not an unreasonable use. The issue at hand is not whether a front entryway is a reasonable use, since the home already has a front door that functions as an entryway that does not encroach into the front yard setback; rather, the variance request is for an City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for May 5, 2010 C:IDOCUME-IIMEAGAN-LBEETLOCALS IITempIELFIDW5-05-10-PC Report-Goldman Variance.doc Page 4 of 6