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Related information and analysis <br />• Desi n alternatives <br />9 <br />This request was submitted by Mr. Zalk after he carefully considered the alternatives <br />available for creating a double garage as permitted in the zoning code. These <br />alternatives are: <br />1. Build a standard double garage using the current driveway. <br />2. Build a tandem garage using the current driveway. <br />3. Build a standard double garage or a tandem garage with alley access only and <br />remove the existing front driveway. <br />Comments from neighbors. <br />The neighboring property owners were notified of this request for a variance. As of <br />this writing, no comments have been received. <br />Existing tandem garages <br />There are examples of tandem garages in the city. There are two such garages in the <br />Grove neighborhood. These have only one access. However, they do not have the <br />. opportunity for a second access off an alley. Mr. Zalk indicated that there is a garage <br />with double access (street/alley) in the Northome neighborhood. This appears to have <br />been constructed some time ago and did not get a variance, if one had been required. <br />The existence of similar situations is not a reason to grant a variance. <br />Safety <br />The ingress and egress from both the alley and street would ease access to the garage <br />and may enhance safety on the property by reducing the exits and entrances along <br />the front drive into the street. However, the front drive on this lot is not unique in <br />length. There are many much longer driveways in the city that require backing in and <br />out. Therefore, this is not a unique safety hazard for this particular property. <br />Uniqueness of site configuration <br />The properties in the Northome neighborhood and those on other alleys on the <br />northside of Larpenteur were developed to access garages from the alleys. The <br />purpose for this urban design style is to maintain a visually consistent front open <br />space without detracting from front yards and fronts of residences with garages and <br />vehicles in driveways. It is also to keep garbage cans and service vehicles to the rear <br />of properties. These design elements have been considered aesthetically appealing <br />to many urban designers at different times. <br />2 <br />