Laserfiche WebLink
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. <br />4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 <br />Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763. 231.2561 plannerstv?nacplanning.corn <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Little Canada Planning Commission <br />FROM: Stephen Grittman <br />DATE: February 3, 2012 <br />RE: Little Canada — Derek Anderson Outdoor Storage Variance <br />FILE NO: 758.09 — 12.01 <br />Background and Analysis <br />Derek Anderson of 298 Rose Lane has submitted a variance application to permit the <br />storage of firewood and residential equipment in his front yard. The property is a single <br />family parcel which was developed along an unbuilt portion of Rose Lane. The parcel <br />utilizes a privately improved driveway that crosses through the Rose Lane right of way <br />to gain its access to Savage Lane. <br />Although Rose Lane is dedicated in this area, the grade from west to east had <br />precluded its construction as a through street for many years. A previous City Council <br />granted the owner of this parcel a license to place private improvements in the Rose <br />Lane right of way to gain access without the standard City street construction. <br />For every single family property, private driveway improvements are constructed by a <br />property owner over public right of way. In most cases, this consists of a relatively short <br />section of driveway from front property line to the constructed street in front of the house <br />— usually only about 10 to 15 feet. This area is commonly considered "boulevard" space <br />and while private driveways are built within this area to connect to the street, other <br />private improvements or private use is typically prohibited. <br />Likewise, accessory uses to residential homes are required to be in the rear portion of <br />the private property, with varying requirements for setbacks, screening, or other <br />improvements, depending on the exact use. In some cases, parking or storage of <br />certain vehicles is allowed in the front yard, provided it is on the improved driveway <br />portion of the front yard area that leads into a garage (including a single parking area to <br />the side of the driveway). <br />23 <br />