10-25-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The area variance is necessary to allow use of the site for residential dwelling purposes. The property has been in separate ownership not legally combine with any other parcels, although it has been owned in common with the adjoining developed residential parcel since 1974. The property contains a wetland that has been delineated under current WC A rules and which is not included in the calculation of dry buildable land area. The lot size and wetland status ate factors unique to this lot and not under the applicant’s control. Granting of a lot area variance to allow a house to be constructed on the site will have only a minor impact on the character of the neighborhood, as long as the house meets the setback standards for the 2-acre zone (which will center the house on the lot more than for other lots in the neighborhood which were developed under a lesser standard under prior codes). The lot size is typical of the immediate:a, and all homes in the immediate area are subject to the 2-acre standards eren though they are I-acre lots. The wetland condition is a unique factor to this property and tlie vacant lot across the street from it. Virtually the entire property was identified as wetland on the City *s 1975 Wetland Inventory and Classification Maps. Filling on the property in the 1960's resulted in significant changes to the property such that in 2004 the wetland remaining on the property as defined under cunent regulations is approximately 0.19 acres in area, or 1/5 cf the gross area of the site. The applicant has demonstrated that the area designated as wetland in the City’s 1975 Wetland Inventory is no longer serving wetland functions and catmot legally be required to be restored to its condition prior to the filling. A 0.13 acre drainage easement to accommodate a drainageway on the property reduces the buildable area to 0.69 acres, leaving a buildable envelope meeting all applicable setback requirements of approximately 50' x 75 ’, adequate to construct a reasonable size home and garage. Therefore, granting of the area variance to allow a house on *he site will not be contrary to the intent of the Code, and no additional variances are necessary to construct a residence on the property. The applicant has concurrently requested a wetland map amendment to revise the boundaries of the wetland on the property. The City Engineer has provided comments regarding the stormw'atcr management implications o f amending the Page 2 of7