Agenda Packets - 2003/10/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resolution 741-03 Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission makes the following findings of fact related to the conditional use permit request: 1. Other than the width, the proposed oversized 1,110 square foot garage satisfies the dimensional requirements as outlined in Chapters 1104 and 1106 the Zoning Code. 2. The request is consistent with the Mounds View Comprehensive Plan in 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; and, 3. The proposed garage would not be out of place given the character and geography of the surrounding area involved and the size of the subject property which is able to accommodate such a structure; and, 4. The proposed garage would not depreciate the neighborhood. 5. The applicant has sufficiently demonstrated that a need exists for the proposed oversized garage. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission makes the following findings of fact related to the variance request: 1. Relating to exceptional circumstances, the applicants have sufficient room for the expansion however are limited by the Code to adding only five feet because the existing garage is already 30 feet wide—the minimum needed for a new garage stall is ten feet. 2. The intent of the width limitation is to minimize the visual impact of a garage—in this case, the expanded garage would satisfy the spirit and intent of the requirement, thus the literal interpretation creates an unnecessary hardship. 3. The special circumstances or conditions do not result form the applicants in that the Whitbecks are simply attempting to compensate for their home’s lack of a basement by adding onto the garage. In addition, the Whitbecks drafted the garage expansion plans so as to preserve a mature Oak tree behind the garage. 4. Granting the variance would not confer upon the applicants any special privilege in that the variance would not be required were it not for the secondary addition which does not increase the garage width. The Whitbecks’ situation is unique in this regard. 5. The requested five-foot variance is the minimum amount necessary to alleviate the Whitbecks’ hardship. Economic conditions do not enter into the need for a variance in this case.