03-10-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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History: In January, 1993 (Zoning File //1791), the applicants requested variances to construct additions to the existing residences. At the time, the lots were not combined and two separate homes existed. The application proposed the combination of the lots and construction of additions, combining the two separate residences into one dwelling. The existing houses did not meet the side yard setbacks required for the zoning district (30 feet on either side) and they were not proposed to change with this application. The proposed application included the following: 1. A front porch addition (50 s.f. of hardcover) within the substandard side yard setback on the house to the south; 2. A basement addition on the hou.se to the north; 3. Move the house on the north 10’ closer to the lake, maintaining the existing side yard setbacks; 4. A tower of less than 30 feet in height to join i/-.i /o homes; 5. Side setbacks remain as they exist: 20.1’ on the north lot line; 12.7’ on the south lot line The Planning Commission and City Council approved the application as presented in 1993.1 he application was clearly for additions to existing structures. Variances to the side yard setbacks were granted because the application requested changes to existing structures, already located at substandard setbacks. The house to the north was moved closer to the lake in order to construct a basement, positioned with the same side yard setback as it existed previously. The variances to the side yards were acceptable for the existing structures because it is not the City's practice to require that existing homes be relocated to meet required .setbacks. Current Application: The current application does not involve additions or renovations to the existing structures. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing home in its entirety and rebuild a home on the lot. fhe applicant is requesting the same side yard setbacks as were granted with his 1993 application. 1 lowcver, this application is for new construction which has, historically, been treated differently from renovations of existing structures. The City ’s policy regarding new construction is that iuiy proposed structure must conform to the required hardcover, lot coverage and setback requirements for that zoning district. Since the lot is 100’ in width, a new home 40’ in width could be constructed with 30’ side yard setbacks. A number ot lots have been combined since then, leaving only a few at widths of 50’. The lot sizes and w idths are quite varied. Staff has researched the neighboring lots and provided lot area, width and setback information on an attached table and section map (Exhibit A). The most recent new construction in the neighborhood, 372 Westlake Street, met all of the setback requirements for lb*' >ning district w ithout requiring a setback variance. i