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Petition for Variance 20 Owners: Dave and Lisa Wiggins Property: 3200 Skycroft Drive NE Request: Side Yard Variance This purpose of this letter is to request an 12 foot side yard variance to accommodate an addition to our single-family, split-level residence at 3200 Skycroft Drive. City code requires that a side lot adjacent to a street be at least 45 feet wide(30 feet plus an additional 15 feet for street easement/public right of way). The addition we are proposing would put our structure within 33 feet of 32nd Avenue. CURRENTLY: The structure we currently live in was built in 1961, and has been carefully maintained and updated for over 40 years. It is difficult to argue that the property cannot be put to "reasonable use"without an addition when it has been so efficiently utilized in the past. Yet, we are finding the house lacking in many important respects. First, there is a need for a larger, more useful, and efficient living space on our main floor. Second,we need more storage space. Our closets are small,the basement is small and crowded, and the attic is unusable for storage. Third,we need a room that would function as a home office space. As a math teacher, I have a need for additional space at home for my library, files, and desktop computer. PROPOSED: The proposed 15x25 foot addition would include a main floor family room, a basement office, and a basement bedroom. Modifications in main floor layout would allow for more efficient use of our dining room and kitchen. Additional storage would be accomplished through built-in cabinets and shelves in the new family room and modifying the basement layout. We believe this addition would not alter the essential character of the locality, noting that neighboring properties along 32nd Avenue are set back similar distances from the curb and that potentially problematic sight lines from the streets to the addition are blocked by a large pine tree. HARDSHIP: It is our belief that the side yard is the only viable option for the proposed addition. Visually, the side yard along the street seems to be large enough for the addition. If this side yard were adjacent to another property,we would not need a variance. However, city code indicates that for corner lots, a distance of 45 feet from the street be maintained. Could the addition be put in rear yard,where no variance would be needed? We believe a rear addition would: 1) likely result in the loss of a mature shade tree (40 year old basswood); 2) ruin the character and functionality of our landscaped rear yard; 3) reverse recently corrected watershed problems due to the slope toward the house; 4) exacerbate water runoff problems for our north neighbor at 3204 Skycroft Drive. Respectfully, v�