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5420 Adams Variance Request November 6, 2013 Staff Report Page 2 City Code does not require houses to have the same setback as the other homes; it just cannot be closer to the street, so most the streets do end up having varying front setbacks. This entry addition would give the house a 32 foot front setback, which is still more than the minimum 30 foot front setback. b. The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan supports improvements to properties, and certainly encourages home improvements and making houses more livable. c. The applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this Title or the City Code. The applicants want to add a front entry to the house in order to add an interior staircase so the basement can be accessed inside like a typical home. This improvement will also bring the front door much closer to the ground so it looks normal. d. 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. The unique circumstances which apply to this property are that a basement was added to the home but no interior stairs constructed. The house is small, so adding stairs inside the house without the extra front entry space would reduce the livability of the home. The applicants purchased the home as-is, and did not create the problem. e. The variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The 8-foot front setback variance requested is the minimum that would be necessary in order to add the desired front entry space and interior staircase and make the exterior house style more aesthetically pleasing. The existing deck extends out 8 feet so the small entry would not be much different than what is already there. And it would improve the exterior appearance of the house since it looks odd with the front door so high off the ground. f. The variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the practical difficulties. Economic conditions alone do not constitute practical difficulties. In order to have enough square footage for the intent of the entry addition, the 8-foot front yard setback variance is the minimum variance needed.