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Hanson Minor Subdivision and Variance – 14565 Irish Avenue North <br />Page 3 <br /> <br /> <br /> 3 <br />requirements from a property line that evenly splits the lot. A lot with a width of 226 feet <br />will not look noticeably different than a lot that meets the lot width requirement. The <br />applicant is proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner. <br /> <br />b. Unique Circumstances. The plight of property owner is due to circumstances unique <br />to the property not created by the landowner and; <br /> <br />The property is unique in that it is a 20-acre lot with a lot width of 554 feet, which is less <br />than the typical 600 feet, and a lot depth that is greater than what would typically be seen <br />for a 20 acre lot that is split into two 10 acre lots. The existing buildings on the property <br />cause the property line to shift further south to accommodate the minimum setback <br />requirements for these buildings. The proposed lots would be 226 and 328 feet wide, <br />respectively, at the front setback line. Due to the lot’s greater depth, the created parcels <br />would maintain the minimum lot size of 10 acres. <br /> <br />It is in staff’s opinion that the need for a variance is due to the existing dimensions of the <br />site and not due to circumstances created by the landowner. <br /> <br />c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential <br />character of the neighborhood. <br /> <br />Lots of 10 acres in size are common in the AG zoning district. The minimum lot width of <br />300 feet is to maintain a character of large lots with a greater distance between homes <br />than in an urban single-family residential district. A lot width of 226 feet at the front <br />setback line will not noticeable change the character of the area. <br /> <br />It is in staff’s opinion that there are practical difficulties in meeting the lot width requirements <br />for the AG zoning district. <br /> <br />(3) Spirit and Intent. The granting of the variance would be in keeping with the spirit and <br />intent of this chapter and with the policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />The spirit and intent of the ordinance for a minimum lot width is to create large lots with a greater <br />distance between buildings. It is in staff’s opinion that there would be a reasonable amount of <br />distance between a proposed home on the site and neighboring homes, and that the lot will not be <br />noticeably narrower from the view of the road. The variance as requested meets the spirit and <br />intent of the ordinance. <br /> (4) Prohibited Use. The variance, if granted, shall not have the effect of allowing any use <br />prohibited in the district. <br />Lots of at least 10 acres in size are permitted in the agricultural zoning district. <br />(5) Hazard Consideration. The variance, if granted, shall not permit a lower degree of flood <br />protection than required by this chapter. The variance shall be determined the minimum <br />necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief, and the variance shall not be issued <br />within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood <br />discharge would result.