Agenda Packets - 2004/07/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Scotch Variance and CUP Report July 7, 2004 Page 4 (8) Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and necessary facilities have been or will be provided. All utilities and infrastructure have already been provided. No additional utilities are needed. Adverse Effects The Planning Commission reviewed and addressed any potential adverse effects which include, but are not limited to, relationship with the Comprehensive Plan, geographical area involved, potential depreciation, the character of the surrounding area and the demonstrated need for such a use. Relationship with the Comprehensive Plan. 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. 7806 Gloria Circle is designated as low-density residential and the proposed garage expansion would not be inconsistent with the Comp Plan. The Geographical Area Involved. The applicant’s home is located on Gloria Circle. The backyard does have access to Spring Lake. The proposed garage expansion would not be out of place for this area and the size of the applicant’s lot would accommodate the expanded garage. Depreciation. The garage expansion would benefit the subject property both in a practical sense by providing additional on site, indoor parking and storage area and in an economic sense, as the addition would increase the “value” of the property. Increased property values are of course a benefit to everyone. The Character of the Surrounding Area. This part of the City is strictly residential; strictly single family dwellings. There is a mix of older and newer homes, some on larger lots while others on smaller subdivided lots. One common thread is that all of the homes in this area are well maintained and most exceed the median Mounds View home value. The presence of Spring Lake adds an inherent physical and aesthetic value to the neighborhood. The expanded garage would not be out of character in this area. The Demonstrated Need for Such a Use. The applicant has indicated that the need is because there are three vehicles plus recreational watercraft that need to be stored and right now the property only has a small two-car garage. The added garage space would be a substantial improvement for the applicant. Planning Commission Action: The Planning Commission voted to approve the variance and recommend approval of the conditional use permit request. Planning Commission Resolution 764-04 is attached for the Council’s review.