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15 May 2012 <br />MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD <br />SUBJECT: Variance Justification Written Statement for Property located at 3207 Silver Lake <br />Road NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418 -2405, Zoned R -1 Single Family District <br />1. General. This memorandum serves as a written statement explaining why strict enforcement <br />of the Ordinance would cause practical difficulties for the applicants, David F. Socha and <br />Meridith J.O. Socha. <br />2. References: <br />a. St. Anthony, Minnesota Code of Ordinances, dated 28 June 2011 <br />3. Justification: <br />a. David and Meridith Socha, henceforth referred to as the property owners, desire to have a <br />variance from § 152.176 (f) St. Anthony, Minnesota Code of Ordinances, dated 28 June 2011. <br />The property owners desire to build a garage with dimensions 27' wide by 24' deep (total size <br />648 sq. ft.) of which 528 sq. ft. would be located in the rear setback of 3207 Silver Lake Road <br />NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418 -2405, henceforth referred to as the property. <br />b. 'The property owners reside at 3207 Silver Lake Road NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418 -2405. <br />This property is zoned R -1 Single Family District. Not having a garage materially affects the use <br />of the property by the property owners. The property owners believe that a garage with <br />dimensions of 27' wide by 24' deep would not alter the essential character of the locality. In <br />addition a garage with the previously specified dimensions is consistent with existing homes and <br />current garage sizes. Building a garage would increase usability of the property and have a <br />positive affect on neighborhood property values. <br />c. Strict adherence to the ordinance would create a practical difficulty for the property owners <br />in the following ways: <br />i. Placing the garage completely outside of the rear setback of the property would place the <br />garage only 14' from the eastern wall of the house. This would block light coming into the <br />dining room, materially affecting use and enjoyment of the room. In addition, this would <br />effectively prohibit building any deck or patio off of the eastern wall of the house, rendering the <br />existing sliding glass doors useless and materially detracting from the use of existing yard space. <br />ii. Placing the garage at a distance of 14' from the primary dwelling could also cause <br />several environmental and safety concerns. A limited distance between buildings increases fire <br />