PCAgenda_95Apr24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed total accessory structure square footage is: 558.00 sq. ft.- proposed new garage 581.25 sq. ft -existing garage/proposed storage area 140.00 sq. ft -existing utility shed Total proposed detached accessory building area = 1,279.25 square feet (279.25 sq. ft. more than is allowed by code) Other Items to Note in the Reauest • Ms. Thimsen made a request for a similar variance in 1992. In that case, she was granted a variance to place a porch area behind her existing garage. These plans were never completed. Anew variance is needed for this request since 1) variances expire if the building is not completed within one year and 2) the design layout is different from the original proposal. • The request shows the new garage's setback at 4 1 /2 feet from the side lot line. This is less than the 5 feet ordinarily required for a detached garage. However, the zoning code allows for adding to a garage at the existing setback, provided that the addition does not encroach further into the setback area. If the planning commission grants a variance in the maximum lot coverage requirements, a setback variance will not be necessary. • • The proposed front setback of 50' is behind the front line of the house and meets the zoning code without a variance. • The lot is 450 feet deep and a total of 47,812.50 square feet, which is significantly larger than most lots in Falcon Heights. DISCUSSION The Thimsen's have one of the largest lots in Falcon Heights, at 106.25' wide x 450' deep (47,812.50 sq. ft.l Atypical lot in the Northome neighborhood, by comparison, is 50' wide x 123' deep (6,150 sq. ft.l Therefore, the amount of rear yard or open area filled up by the additional area of garage and storage space will not significantly impact the residential character of the neighborhood. The new garage is proposed to be built at a standard size. According to the building official, a garage must be at least 22' x 22' in order to park two smaller cars inside. The garage proposed by the Thimsen's is 23.25' x 24'. If the variance is granted, Ms. Thimsen has indicated that the garage access door for the existing garage would be removed and replaced by a wall once the new garage is built. This would prevent the parking of vehicles in the new storage area and keep only a two car garage on the site. Ms. Thimsen plans to have a small service door between the garage area and the storage space.