2014 Planning Commission Packets

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Narrative from Applicant This variance request is for a small piece of driveway which, although it would be within the side setback, would still be well within the property line and the natural tree line between this property and the lot to the south. A detailed survey has been performed to verify the distance from the proposed driveway to the lot line. This is represented on the permit application drawing. There will be no impact to said tree line, so there will be no impact to the immediately neighboring property, visual or otherwise. Below is an explanation of how each of the seven required criteria for the granting of a variance is met in this case. 1. The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this Title. The purpose of this variance is not incongruous with the intent of the Mounds View Zoning Code. It merely seeks to improve the surface of the existing earthen drive leading to the back of the property. 2. The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed section of driveway that would reside inside the setback region of this lot would not alter the function of the property or detract from its visual appearance. 3. The applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this Title or the City Code. The end goal of this process is to install a proper driveway to provide stable, sustainable vehicle access to the detached garage on the rear of the property. While this property use is permitted without a variance, the fact that such a driveway would violate the side setback of 5ft makes a variance necessary prior to proceeding with this permitted property use. 4. Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to other properties in the same zone or vicinity, and result from lot size or shape, topography or other circumstances over which the owner of the property since the enactment of this Title has had no control. The unique circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant. Due to the width of this lot (75ft) combined with the location and shape of the existing home on the property (all of which was in existence prior to the applicant's ownership of the property), there is no way to route a usable (10ft wide) driveway into the back yard of the property without violating the 5ft side setback. 5. The variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. This small piece of driveway within the setback area, but still within the property line and natural tree line separating this property from the lot to the south, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. G. The variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the practical difficulties. Economic conditions alone do not constitute practical difficulties.