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Page 2 • 28 March 1994 Communication with Mr. Olson. Mr. Olson continues to express his objection to the proposed two story addition which would be within 14 feet of his rear property line. Review of standards for granting a variance. As the attached staff report states this request does not meet the standards for granting a variance (green sheet) because there is space to the south of the house for the addition that would not require a substantial rear yard variance. When considering this request, please note that: 1. The property owner must demonstrate a hardship in order to have a variance granted by the city. 2. Any past variances granted by the city, and any building or site improvements that do not conform to the city's zoning code, do not create a hardship for a property owner requesting a variance, and therefore, are not a • reason for granting a variance to a property owner. Although there are some existing structures which encroach into the rear yard further than the 30 foot rear yard setback along this block with the shallow lots, the city records do not show that any variances were granted for this purpose. Two building permits for rear yard additions were found in the files. 3. A property owner's preference for how the interior space is arranged in a home or how the exterior of a home is designed are not identified as a hardship standard for granting a variance. If a variance was the only way to preserve the architectural or historical significance of a structure, this might meet the standards for granting a variance. The proposed addition of a two story attached garage to this two story home will change the exterior appearance and symmetry of the structure. 4. A fence, even a six foot high fence or a tall hedge, will not eliminate the impact of a two story garage and house within fourteen feet of the neighboring property to the west because the addition will be substantially higher than the fence or landscaping.