CC PACKET 05132014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 29, 2014 Page 3 The existing home does not meet the setback requirements of the R1 District, and therefore any addition (expansion) of the existing home requires the issuance of a variance. The property was platted decades ago, and the existing ordinance has been in effect well before the Applicants purchased the home. The need for the variance was not created by the property owner. Furthermore, as shown in Exhibit A: Location Map, the property was platted with a unique circumstance in that the property line does not extend further to the north as the properties immediately to the east do. This creates a dimensional limitation that is unique to this property (i.e. they are already short 5-feet of property that other properties in the immediate vicinity have to work with). Other options considered by the property owners included construction of an addition onto the back side of the home, however this too would require the issuance of a variance and it would be cre ating more impervious surface on the lot. Criteria met. e. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality; and The existing home was constructed in 1960 and is true to the style of that decade, as are majority of the homes within the imm ediate neighborhood. The proposed partial second story addition and front stoop will be designed in a manner that maintain the overall character of the home and the locality, and will provide an updated design in line with today's standards, bringing new life to the home and the area. The proposed partial second story addition is rather modest, as the Applicants are not requesting a large addition that may visually or structurally impose on surrounding properties. Criteria met. d. Economic considerations alone are not the basis of the practical difficulties. The basis for the practical difficulties is that the home is already fifteen feet from the corner side (front yard) lot line and does not allow for expansion of the existing home in a way that would comply with the Zoning Code (no matter where the addition would occur). The other options available would either result additional impervious surface, or require that significant modifications be done to the existing home to accommodate for the second story as the staircase to the second story would have to be designed in areas that are currently taken up by livin g space within the existing home. While economic considerations are a factor, as the value of the home will increase as a result of the addition, it is not perceived that they are the sole basis of the practical difficulty. Criteria met. 3. The variance, if granted, would be consistent with the City's comprehensive land use plan. If the variance is granted the use of the property would remain the same land use as it is today, single-family residential. The comprehensive plan guides this area for single-family use and the proposed partial second story addition and front stoop will not alter that use. Criteria met. 4. The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the zoning code. The intent of the zoning code is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the city and its people through the establishment of minimum regulations governing land development and use. The zoning code is established to: a. Protect the use districts; 2 1