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Mounds View Planning Commission July 25, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ She indicated the applicants own recreational vehicles along as well as a few regular vehicles, and they would like to store the vehicles indoors and out of sight Planning Associate Heller stated Sunnyside Road is entirely single family residential. She indicated the homes in this area are a variety of styles and ages and most have large lots. She stated the proposed garage would not be out of character in this area since the garage is placed sideways on the lot and the extra width would not be seen from the street. She mentioned this property is about 256 feet deep, so the new garage should not affect any neighbors. She stated the expanded garage would not change the current front look of the house. Planning Associate Heller reported that a variance is also required for this request because the garage would exceed 35 feet in width. She explained that if the area of the garage were 952 square feet or less, there would be no limit on the width. She explained that for a variance to be considered for approval, the applicant must demonstrate a hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property that makes a literal interpretation of the Code overly burdensome or restrictive. Planning Associate Heller reported exceptional or extraordinary circumstances did apply to the property located on Sunnyside Road as it was one of the first homes built in the area in 1938. She stated the garage was built well before the applicants bought the property in 1996, and was placed near the south property line facing sideways, rather than facing the street like most other garages in the city. Planning Associate Heller reported the literal interpretation of the provisions of this Title would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in that most garages are not set on the lot sideways, which allows property owners to expand their garages to the rear and not exceed the 35 foot width limit. She stated that due to the garage sitting sideways and being located approximately 14 feet from the side property line, the applicants have limited options. Planning Associate Heller reported the special conditions or circumstances did not result from the actions of the applicant in that Mr. Clemons and Ms. O’Donovan had no control over the placement of the garage on the lot. Planning Associate Heller reported that granting the variance would not confer on the applicant any special privilege because most property owners are not limited in such a way in order to expand their garages. Planning Associate Heller stated the requested 19-foot variance is the minimum amount necessary to alleviate the applicant’s hardship. She stated economic conditions did not enter into the need for a variance in this case. Planning Associate Heller reported the variance requested would not be materially detrimental to the purpose of the Code or to other properties in the vicinity. She stated the spirit and intent of the Code would be preserved.