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<br />Item 07B <br />November 14, 2016 <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Analysis: The applicant has requested to build a split-level home <br />measuring 1,027 sq ft on the first floor, and 926 sq ft on the lower <br />level. This exceeds the minimum requirements of the City Code; <br />960 sq ft first floor for a 1-story house, and 780 sq ft first floor for a <br />2-story house. <br /> <br />The applicant has submitted one example of a home that cannot fit within <br />the building setbacks, and has not demonstrated alternatives of what <br />sized home could fit without a Variance, or with a lesser Variance. <br /> <br />d. Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to <br />other properties in the same zone or vicinity and result from lot size <br />or shape, topography or other circumstances over which the owner <br />of the property since the enactment of this Title has had no control. <br />The unique circumstances do not result from the actions of the <br />applicant. <br /> <br />Analysis: The private drainage easement is unique to this property, and is <br />not controlled by the applicant. In order to vacate this easement, both the <br />property owner (Value Homes, LLC) and the property owner benefiting <br />from the easement (Mounds View Family Housing) must agree to vacate <br />or amend the easement. <br /> <br />e. The variance does not alter the essential character of the <br />neighborhood. <br /> <br />Analysis: The character of the neighborhood is single-family homes, <br />which the applicant proposes to build. <br /> <br />The minimum front yard building setback on the west side of this block on <br />Eastwood Rd is 54’. If the setback were reduced to 30’, the subject <br />property would have a front yard about half as deep as others on this side <br />of the street. The home would be significantly in front of others on the <br />block. <br /> <br />f. The variance requested is the minimum variance which would <br />alleviate the practical difficulties. Economic conditions alone do not <br />constitute practical difficulties. <br /> <br />Analysis: The minimum front yard setback elsewhere in the R-1 district <br />shall not be less than 30’. The applicant has requested a 30’ setback. <br /> <br />As noted earlier, the applicant has not proposed alternatives of how a <br />home could fit on the lot, with a setback greater than 30’, but less than <br />54’.