2012-07-11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commission Report and Recommendation. The Planning & Zoning Commission met on July 3, 2012, to consider a request of Paul Steffel, for a variance to allow a building to be constructed at a height of 22 feet, rather than the normal thirty -two feet on the property at 1709 Main Street, consisting of 0.2 acres identified as part of Lots 10 & 11, Block 4, City of Centerville. Findings: 1) The Planning and Zoning Commission heard and considered all testimony of interested persons submitted in writing and in person during the public hearing and input process. 2) The proposed building with a height of 22 feet would be in harmony with adjacent properties. While the city desires redevelopment of the downtown to have building heights of 32 feet, the construction of some buildings at a lower height would not be detrimental to the Downtown Master Plan if lower heights are restricted to the area north of Main Street. 3) The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The use and building type meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan. 4) The applicant provided evidence that the property could not be developed in a reasonable manner if the city imposed the building height. If the City mandated the normally required building height, the building space would be much larger and the parcel is not of sufficient size to meet the additional parking requirements. The Commission also finds that lacking a variance, it appears that the only way that the 0.2 acres can be used would be to delay development until an adjoining property owner might be found who was willing to participate in a combined development. The Commission finds that it would create an undue hardship for two reasons: 1) development would be delayed until an adjoining property could be combined with this property, and 2) due to the uncertainty of finding a willing owner of adjoining property to participate in this development. 5) The alleged difficulty or hardship is caused by the City Ordinance and has not been created by any persons presently having an interest in the parcel of land. Special circumstances exist that are peculiar to the land, structure or building involved and do not result from the actions of the petitioner. The Commission finds that the unique circumstances of the property is, at least in significant part, caused by the condemnation and taking of a portion of the property by Anoka County, substantially reducing the amount of property available for development. 6) The Commission finds that the applicant has demonstrated that the variance proposed is the minimum necessary to accomplish the permitted use. The Commission has