10-12-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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planning meeting. We have mature trees and arbs that screen the property on both sides. Even without the shrubs, does not impact neighbors views. 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The variances resulting in a permit for an addition to an existing single family home in a residential zone is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 3. The applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties. a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the official controls; The request to build a home addition within the street yard setback, average lakeshore setback, new hardcover in the 75’ lakeyard and not meeting driveway standards does not appear to be reasonable as the current home has adequate use of the lot. Response: This is consistent use with neighborhood lots who have been granted similar variances. The commission appears to be acting arbitrarily with respect to our plans given that not a single other property in our neighborhood conforms to the stated standards. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The owner’s desire to enclose the existing garage to make more living space and then add a new garage within the street yard and average lakeshore setback to the home is a condition created by the landowner and c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The setback variances from the street yard and average lakeshore setback resulting from a building addition may adversely alter the character of the area. The variances for the driveway dimensions and new driveway hardcover in the 75’ lake yard may limit the parking ability for the homeowner and may adversely impact the character of the neighborhood. Response: The proposed design softens the vertical nature of our home. It increases the curb appeal and character of the home that is consistent with the neighborhood, see 1973 Fagerness. All neighbors agree that the new design provides depth and softens the vertical nature of the property. Not permitting the proposed construction actually hurts both the neighborhood and the value of our home; as the home would be substantially different and less desirable than the other homes in the neighborhood. As to parking, the current garage/storage limits the inside parking spaces which creates the requirement of parking in driveway, and across road parking spot, and is especially difficult for guests in the winter months. With the addition, we will be able to park our two cars inside the garage (currently only one fits), while still accommodating 5 guests in the driveway and parking spot, which is more parking than any neighbor.