03-12-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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FILE #LA18-000006 2/20/2018 Page 4 of 4 12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. In the opinion of staff, granting of the lot area and lot width variances will alleviate a practical difficulty by allowing the property to be developed under the same hardcover and structural coverage allowances as other similar -sized developed lots in the neighborhood. The Commission may recommend or Council may impose conditions in granting of variances. Any conditions imposed must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. No variance shall be granted or changed beyond the use permitted in this chapter in the district where such land is located. Practical Difficulties Statement Applicant has completed the Practical Difficulties Documentation Form attached as Exhibit A, and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Analysis The City code identifies a 35% maximum hardcover for Tier 3 districts on the Stormwater Quality Map. The shoreland overlay district highlights the importance for protecting lakes and waterways and allows for development in small nonconforming lots to not exceed 25%. Allowing a lot area and lot width variance permits the parcel to meet the Tier 3 standards of 35% hardcover. Staff feels a Tier 3 parcel which does not abut the lake or any waterways, meets the intent and purpose of the comprehensive plan and will not create any negative impacts. Public Comments To date, no public comments have been received. Issues for Consideration Does the Planning Commission find that that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner which is not permitted by an official control? Does the Planning Commission find that the variance(s), if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood? Are there any other issues or concerns with this application? Planning Staff Recommendation Staff finds there to be practical difficulties inherent with the property due to its size and width in the RR -113 District. The applicant's property had contained a single family residence for many decades. The ability to have the same type of hardcover amenities as other existing developed properties in the neighborhood would be limited if the area and width variances are not granted. If the commission concurs, a recommendation for approval should be made for the presented application. List of Exhibits Exhibit A. Practical Difficulties Documentation Form Exhibit B. Existing & Proposed Survey/Site Plan Exhibit C. Proposed Plans and Elevations Exhibit D. Submitted Hardcover Calculations Exhibit E. Project Narrative Exhibit F. Property Owners List and Map