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Attachment D b. The proposal is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in that it represents 35 continuing investment in a residential property in a way that is compatible with the 36 surrounding neighborhood. The existing situation includes legal, pre-existing non- 37 conforming lots and the proposal, although still non-conforming, will make the lot more 38 compliant by reducing the degree to which it is substandard. 39 c. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the zoning ordinances because the minimum 40 lot standards listed in §1017.14 were established in 1974, well after the 3 lots were 41 platted. The proposal to reduce the number of lots along this street is in keeping with the 42 purpose and intent of the Code and is in harmony with the lots/parcels and past approvals 43 of the adjacent neighborhood. The Variance Board believes that the proposal is 44 consistent with the intent of the zoning ordinances because the new parcel reduces the 45 number of properties impacting the public water (Lake Owasso), increases the lot/parcel 46 size thus reducing the non-conformity, and creates a parcel with greater lot area and 47 flexibility to develop a single family home that otherwise might be constrained under the 48 existing lot dimensions. 49 d. The proposal makes “reasonable” use of the property because allowing the three lots to 50 be reconfigured into a single developable lot with the residual land area being combined 51 with the adjacent parcel better suits the neighborhood, creates fewer impacts on the 52 environment, and provides more open/green area. Such a request and deviation from 53 current standards seems reasonable given the potential impact that could occur under the 54 existing lot configuration if two homes were to be constructed on lots with much 55 narrower widths. 56 e. The unique characteristics the property possesses justify the approval of the requested 57 variance in this case are tied to the existing lots. Platted lots of record are allowed to be 58 developed under the City Code, and adjusting lot lines under this proposal reduces the 59 non-conformity and impact on the lake. The Variance Board finds that the establishment 60 of lot-size minimums with the original Zoning Code in 1959 and subsequent lot-size 61 standards established under the shoreland requirements of 1974 created a unique 62 circumstance that justifies the approval of the requested . Although the 63 VARIANCE proposal seeks a substandard parcel of 75 feet in width, it seems rather undesirable for 64 the City to require a code compliant parcel at the expense of affording preservation and 65 reuse of an existing boathouse, greater flexibility of home design, greater private open 66 space, and the reduction of block density and potential lakeshore impacts, especially 67 given the permitted option of two 37-foot wide developable lots. 68 f. Although the proposal is to create a parcel that will be 25 feet in width less than the 69 minimum required in §1017.14 of the City Code, the proposed parcel is wider and has 70 greater square footage than the existing Lots 10 and 9, Lake Owasso Villas, and 71 represents a more consistent lakeshore lot size than has been recently developed and 72 supported by the City. For this reason, the , if approved, would not negatively 73 VARIANCE alter the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood. 74 75 Page 2 of 4