03-27-1991 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(NA Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. C U R B A N P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H PLANNING REPORT TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Allan Hunting /Stephen Grittman DATE: 8 March 1991 RE: Little Canada - Brausen Variance FILE NO: 758.09 - 91.05 BACKGROUND Mr. John F. Brausen is requesting a variance from the 30 foot setback in an R -1 zone to construct a single family house 10 feet from the property line. The property is located at 495 E. Viking Drive. The variance is being requested because there are two easements which run through this lot, a storm sewer easement and a pipeline easement. For this application, the pipeline easement is the restrictive barrier. Previously, the City approved the subdivision of this "flag shaped" lot from the original lot which contains the existing house. ANALYSIS Mr. Brausen receives access to his lot through the 10 foot wide driveway easement on the west property line noted on the lot drawing (Exhibit B). Interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance would label the property line adjoining the driveway and parallel to Highway 36 as a front yard. Front yard setback in an R -1 zone is 30 feet. Further, City policy has been that if a lot line abuts a rear yard, then it is classified as a "rear" yard also. This is so that both lots are treated equally with respect to setbacks. Rear yard setbacks in an R -1 zone is 30 feet. By either interpretation, Mr. Brausen is requesting a variance from the 30 foot setback. The City must review this application based on criteria which identifies if the application has special circumstances or undue hardship which limits the lot's use. In analyzing the criteria, our office has listed the main points to this request: Page 38 4601 Excelsior Blvd. • Suite 410 • Minneapolis, MN 55416(612) 925 -9420 • Fax 925 -2721