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Whitbeck PC Report October 15, 2003 Page 5 Relationship with the Comprehensive Plan. As stated on Page 2 of this report, 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. 7850 Spring L ake Road is designated as low-density residential and the proposed garage expansion would not be inconsistent with the Comp Plan. The Geographical Area Involved. The Whitbecks’ home is located on Spring Lake Road, one house removed from Spring Lake. The Whitbecks’ backyard does however have access to the lake. The proposed garage expansion would not be out of place for this area and the size of the Whitbecks’ lot would easily accommodate the expanded garage. From the street, the expansion would not be apparent and would not impact the adjoining properties. Depreciation. The garage expansion would benefit the subject property both in a practical sense by providing additional on site and indoor parking of a vehicle currently stored outside 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 re 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 Whitbecks have indicated that their need is two- fold; they have three cars and a two-car garage, and they do not have a basement. The added garage space would be a substantial improvement for the Whitbecks. Code Consistency Subdivision 6 of Section 1106.04 lists the conditions under which a conditional use permit can be issued. These are as follows: a. The accessory building must conform with Section 1103.06 and subdivision 1106.03(l) of this Title. b. The combined square footage of all accessory buildings on one (1) lot cannot exceed one thousand eight hundred (1,800) square feet. c. The building shall be designed and maintained to provide a uniform appearance with the dwelling unit. d. The width of the building cannot exceed thirty-five feet (35'). e. The building shall be a permanent structure. f. Should the use for which the permit was granted be changed, the permit shall be subject to reconsideration, revocation or other action regulated by Code.