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STAFF REPORT <br /> .To: Planning Commission <br /> From: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant <br /> Date: April 20, 1999 <br /> Subject: 99-03 Lot Width and Lot Area Variance Requests for 4004 Fordham Drive, David <br /> Sperry, Buyer <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Arvid and Eleanor Johnson, owners of 4008 Fordham Drive, recently filed a lot split and replat <br /> with Ramsey County that had been approved by the City Council twelve years ago. They had <br /> delayed this filing because they felt they would be adversely affected by property taxes and they <br /> were not ready to sell the resultant vacant parcel. Staff called the property offices in Ramsey <br /> County and verified that they had recorded the lot split and replat. <br /> Mr. and Mrs. David Sperry, currently residing in New Brighton, have a tentative purchase <br /> agreement with the Johnsons,to purchase the lot that was resultant from the split of 4008 <br /> Fordham Drive. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry would like to build a $130,000 home for themselves on <br /> this vacant lot but would like to have the variances approved before they close on this property. <br /> Staff has advised them that they also need to be aware of the setbacks and lot coverage <br /> restrictions for this zoning district. As their letter indicates,they are aware of the need to <br /> address those issues without requesting additional variances. <br /> ANALYSIS: <br /> The lot in question is 60 feet wide and its area is 7,985 square feet and as such, not considered a <br /> buildable residential lot according to City Ordinance. The Ordinance states that a residential lot <br /> in the R-1 Zoning District must be at minimum 75 feet wide and an interior lot must not be less <br /> than 9,000 square feet. The Spenys are asking for a lot width variance of 15 feet and a lot area <br /> variance of 1,015 square feet. <br /> In granting a variance, the essential character of the neighborhood would not be altered and <br /> would be in the keeping with the intention and spirit of the Zoning Code. It is also possible that <br /> this lot can not be put to reasonable use without these variances. <br /> Mr. and Mrs. Sperry contend that there is a hardship in that the owner did not create this <br /> situation and that the Council had approved this lot split in September 1985. <br />