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garage is not an option because of the layout of the duplex and its location on the lot. Constructing an addition to the existing garage would not provide the amount of storage desired by Mr. Heffernan. With a second accessory building, each unit would also have a separate garage and storage space. He has indicated that he was told by a City staff member that a second detached garage as proposed was allowed before he purchased the property. 2.3 The required rear yard of the property is 2,295 square feet; therefore, the maximum allowed for detached garage area is 574 square feet (25% of the required rear yard). The existing 22' x 34' detached garage is 748 square feet in area (32.5% of the required rear yard) and the proposed 28' x 36' garage is 1008 square feet in area (44% of the required rear yard). 2.4 Section 1004.01 (A), City Code, states that an accessory building cannot occupy more than 25% of the required rear yard (width of lot x 30' required rear yard depth). This has been interpreted to mean that a single accessory building is allowed and that the area of the accessory building cannot exceed 25% of the required rear yard. Properties are also allowed to have one garden shed up to 120 square feet in area in addition to the accessory structure. Section 1004.01 (D) requires two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit in an R-2 zoning district, one of which must be enclosed. Section 1013.02 outlines the criteria and procedure for considering a variance. 3.0 STAFF COMMENT 3.1 In reviewing this request, staff made the following findings: 1. The proposed variance is not in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Title 10 of the City Code (Zoning). Section 1004.01 of the City Code allows one detached garage and limits the size of a detached garage on this property to 574 square feet (25% of the required rear yard = 76.5 x 30/4). The proposed garage will bring the total square footage to 1,756 square feet (76.5% of the required rear yard). 2. The proposed variance, if granted, will adversely affect the public health, safety, or general welfare. The excessive area of garage will have a visual impact on the adjacent property owners, the excessive area will increase the impervious surface coverage and may create problems with drainage and erosion on adjacent properties. 3. The presence of a duplex on the property does create a practical difficulty for the applicant in providing adequate garage space with this area limitation. RCA (PF#3021) - 07/08/98 - Page 2 of 3