04-24-2013 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202. Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2581 planners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada City Council FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: April 5, 2013 RE: Little Canada — Accessory Buildings and Garages in the R -1 District FILE NO: 758.10 — 13.01 Background and Analysis In a recent application, the City was asked to approve a variance from the allowable garage size limitation on a single family parcel. The parcel in question was more than 2 acres in size, and the applicant wished to exceed the limitation of 1,500 square feet by 34 additional square feet. The zoning ordinance specifies that single family parcels may have up to 1,000 square feet of garage floor area, and up to 1,500 square feet by Conditional Use Permit. For the Conditional Use Permit, the zoning ordinance lays out the following standards: • No more than 10% of the rear yard can be covered by accessory building space. • No more than 1,500 square feet of total garage space can be constructed. • No other detached accessory sheds may be located on the property. In addition to these specific standards, Conditional Use Permits for such buildings are reviewed for their consistency with the general purposes of the zoning ordinance, such as compatibility with the property and area in which they are located, construction of a style and design similar to that of the principal building, and to ensure that the additional space is being use for residential purposes only. The variance applicant laid out a strong case that his garage proposal was not inconsistent with the parcel or architectural character of the site, but the Planning Commission and City Council both found difficulty in considering the various requirements for variance approval outside of the limits of the code. 20