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� .. � , -- _3;; : _ t _� _ _. w , _ . - --�--- ------- , _ �_:�� _-- —•-- -�-- - --- - -------- - ---- --- . Waste OS Garage CUP 2251 Oakwood Drive May 17, 2000 Page 2 would be met with this proposal. The Code sets an upper limit of accessory storage space on a property at 1,400 square feet. The applicant is proposing to attach the 1,150 square-foot garage to the house, maintaining the same front setback as the house. The garage would be at least five feet frotn the side property line. As is the case with every conditional use permit application, the Planning Commission is required to consider the possible adverse efPects of the proposed conditional use. The findings of the Planning Commission shall be based upon, but not limited to, the following factors: • Relationship with the Conip��ehensive Plan. • The Geographical A��ea Involved • Whether such use will tend to or actually dept�eciate the area in which it is proposed. • The Character of the Surrounding Area • The demonstrated need for such a use. The Planning Commission believes that the Comprehensive Plan encourages the development and maintenance of residential areas so as to improve the quality, appearance and attractiveness of housing units and residential property in general. The Comprehensive Plan designates this property, 2251 Oakwood Drive, as low-density residential. The 12,000 square-foot lot is small, yet typical for this area of Mounds View. Most of the homes in this subdivision are older, one and a half story cape cods that were built in the early 1950s—one of the first subdivisions built in the City. Most of the homes were built with detached single-stall garages, which by today's standards, is not sufficient for the typical multi-car family. Many of the property owners in this area have already expanded or replaced the original garages. Given the size of the lot, however, extra consideration is needed to ensure that the proposed garage would maintain a sense of balance and proportion between the home and garage. The home is 36 feet by 32 feet, or 1,152 square feet and factoring in the upper story, has more than 2,000 square feet of living space. The 23-foot wide garage would be oriented sideways toward the street, such that bulk of the garage would be directed toward the back of the lot. Attached to the house, the garage would represent 39 percent of the front width of the combined structures. It is not believed that the construction of the proposed 1,150 square-foot garage would depreciate the neighborhood in any way. This proposal does not conflict with the Comprehensive Plan and would not be out of place considering the character of the neighborhood. Staff has inspected the property and believes that the construction of the proposed garage would be an improvement from what e�sts currently. There is a privacy fence in the backyard which would help buffer and screen the garage from the adjacent neighbors' views, Staff received a call from a property owner within 350 feet of 2251 Oakwood Drive who raised a concern that the larger garage would be used for some commercial purpose. The caller, who did not identify himself, was told that the Planning Commission and City Council would explicitly stipulate that the garage, if approved, could not be used for a comnnercial purpose or for any purpose not allowed within the R-1, Single Family Residential zoning district.