08/08/2001 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2001 Page 2 • family lot. A variance would be required because the new lot did not comply with the minimum lot depth of 135 feet. • Staff presented its analysis of its request by explaining Lino Lakes had sewer and water two blocks to the east in Sunset Drive. Lots along Sunset Drive would connect. Utilities were not available to the rest of the neighborhood to the west of those lots. However, Blaine utilities were available to the lots on Sunset Road and several were connected to the Blaine utilities. The subject property was one of them. Utility service for the proposed new lot would need to connect to the Blaine system. The property was zoned R -1. The new lot would not meet the minimum lot depth requirement. A variance would be necessary. Staff reviewed the five findings for variance, as stated in the zoning ordinance that the City shall make in considering all requests for variance in taking subsequent action. Staff pointed out that the existing use of the lot as a single - family residence was not threatened by the status quo. There were no unique physical circumstances. The sole purpose of the variance was to allow an additional lot to be created to provide economic gain. Granting an unjustified variance would be conferring a special privilege and would not be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. Staff indicated whether it was advisable to allow for the creation of additional lots in this neighborhood by splitting the existing lots was a policy question that might merit consideration by the City. However, the application under consideration would create a lot that did not meet current requirements and there was no justification for the requested variance. Without the variance, the minor subdivision could not occur. Staff recommended denying the variance based on lack of justification and denying the minor subdivision because the lot did not meet the minimum lot depth. Mr. Lyden stated as he drove down Fairmont, it appeared there were many lots that were split, as this applicant wanted his lot to be split. He asked why some lots were split and some were not Mr. Smyser replied those lots were split many years ago and under the existing guidelines, those lots would not have been allowed to be split today. Mr. Lyden noted he understood the variance, but for practical purposes, he did not understand why the lot could not be split. Mr. Smyser replied making a profit on the lot was not a condition for a variance. Mr. Lyden stated it was a variance of less than 10 feet and while he understood the variance, he had a difficult decision about not splitting this lot. Mr. Corson asked if the lots were serviced by City sewer and water. Mr. Smyser replied they were not. Mr. Corson asked if applicant was requesting Parcel B be served by City sewer and water. Mr. Smyser replied it was being requested to have service by the City of Blaine, which would need the City of Blaine's approval as well. He expressed concern about opening up this type of a situation. However, it was technically feasible to have the sewer and water serviced by the City of Blaine.