03-14-2013 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 14, 2013 Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan, that the ordinance creates "practical difficulties" in achieving the manner of use and the difficulties are unique to the property and not created by the owner, and that the variance will not alter the essential character of the area. The Planner indicated that, in this case, it is difficult to find there are practical difficulties in putting the property to reasonable use, or that any of the difficulties are not created by the applicant. The requirements also utilize a standard of uniqueness. The applicants suggest that the architecture and lot size are unique to this property. The Planner noted, however, that larger single family lots are not uncommon in the City and there are also a wide variety of architectural styles in the City. The Planner also pointed out that shortening the depth of the garage by as little as three inches would result in the garage space complying with the Code. The Planner indicated that it is staff's recommendation that the Variance be denied and the applicant held to a maximum of 1,500 square feet of garage space. Chris Jaede described the property for the Commission. He noted that there is an existing garage on the property of 590 square feet. That garage is a three -car garage with separate garage doors. He indicated that he would like to construct the new garage to match the same characteristics. Jaede reported that the old garage cannot accommodate an SUV or a full - size truck, which he and his wife have. Jaede indicated that they also have two smaller cars. Jaede noted that the width of the proposed garage must remain as is in order to accommodate three separate garage doors. He also reported that they are doing a complete renovation of the house and the garage addition will include living space above. Duray asked if 3 inches could be shaved from the garage in order to meeting the 1,500 square foot maximum. Jaede reported that the 2 foot by 13 foot bump -out in the back of the proposed garage is not included in the square footage calculation; therefore, total garage footage would actually be 1,534 square feet. Jaede indicated that he preferred not to scale down the size of the garage given the result will be smaller bedrooms in the upper level. Duray asked the purpose of the bump -out area. Jaede indicated that it provides additional room to maneuver cars. Schwalbach suggested that the depth of the garage could be decreased from 27 feet to 26 feet with no real impact. Jaede reported that his architect came up with this design, and indicated that the design provides a good balance. He noted that he could tear down the old garage, but would like to keep it given its character and the additional storage space it provides. Duray asked about the adjoining parcels that Jaede owns. Jaede reported that he is in the process of combining all four parcels into one and indicated that he wants to retain the property as one large parcel. -6-