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24 <br />CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE <br />STATE OF MINNESOTA <br />RESOLUTION 10-029 <br />RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO <br />ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK AT 3038 HARDING STREET NE <br />WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was scheduled with the Planning Commission for April <br />20, 2010 and commenced at 7:05 PM to consider the homeowners' request <br />for a one (1) foot variance to the front yard encroachment allowance as <br />permitted by Article XV of the City Code, subd. 152.177(D); and <br />WHEREAS, the applicants presented their request that they be given a variance so <br />that they could build a six (6) foot wide front porch; and <br />WHEREAS, the subd. 152.177 (D) permits up to five (5) feet encroachment into the <br />front yard and the applicants requested a one (1) foot variance to subd. <br />152.177(D); and <br />WHEREAS, the applicants are required to provide evidence that discloses facts that <br />are unique to the subject property, that strict enforcement would cause <br />undue hardship; and <br />WHEREAS, the applicants presented information that the property cannot be put to a <br />reasonable use without the variance. It is historically a common practice <br />to construct the principal residential structure at the front yard setback <br />line so that all the houses are similarly situated on the lot in an orderly <br />fashion. The City's Zoning Ordinances, allows a five (5) foot <br />encroachment in the front yard setback to accommodate steps, stoops and <br />porches for access and egress. The applicants stated that the current <br />residential front yard setback encroachment of five (5) feet is not wide <br />enough allow for the enjoyment of a traditional front porch that would <br />not be as useful for outdoor living space as a more traditional six (6) foot f <br />front porch; and <br />WHEREAS, the circumstances causing the hardship were not created by the owners. <br />The current house was built in 1955 on a lot that for the time was quite <br />typical. Whether due to the austerity of the times or design trends, front <br />porches were not generally a consideration in the design and construction <br />of the houses in St. Anthony at this time so no allowance was given to the <br />possibility of a porch in the future.; and <br />WHEREAS, the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential characteristics of the <br />locality. The owners stated they are committed to renovating this house <br />to make more room for their growing family and in the process, are also <br />contributing to an updated look for their neighborhood. Their <br />