04/23/2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Dahlstrom's plans include adding 20 feet onto the entire rear of the house as well as the new garage space with bedrooms above. Findings for Variance As stated in the zoning ordinance, in considering all requests for variance and in taking subsequent action, the City shall make a finding of fact: 1. That the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls. 2. That the plight of the landowners is due to physical circumstances unique to his property not created by the land owner. 3. That the hardship is not due to economic considerations alone and when a reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance. 4. That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that would be denied by this ordinance to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district. 5. That the proposed actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. The size of the existing home meets minimum standards, but an addition to a two - bedroom house is not unusual, nor is putting bedrooms over garage space. The design incorporates the existing structure layout to maximize use of the existing structure. Current housing space demands typically require more than 1000 sf, and it seems unreasonable to require the second story to step back from the lower level wall. Pie - shaped lots on cul de sacs present special challenges, though they are not unique. For some reason, this house was built closer to the road than current standards allow. If the house were further back, the variance need would be reduced. As it stands, the variance is needed only for the front 13± feet of the new addition. That is, the new addition will meet the 10 ft. setback at a point 13± feet to the rear of the existing garage corner. It is not a situation where the variance application is an attempt to avoid extra costs. Economic considerations are not at issue here. OPTIONS 1. Approve Resolution 01 -55 approving the variance request. 2. Deny the variance request 3. Return to staff with direction. RECOMMENDATION Option 1