Laserfiche WebLink
MURPHY & <br /> -DISTINCTIVE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE- <br /> driveway cuts serve the property (one for a parking area and one for the garage itself). The <br /> applicant is proposing to consolidate the driveway width into one single driveway for the property <br /> consisting of a width of 34'. This is a reduction in the total width serving the property. <br /> Additionally, due to the natural topography of the property, as well as the items noted for the <br /> reduction in hardcover and the garage placement, the driveway width is as small as possible as the <br /> driveway crosses the property line. The natural topography limits the space available for <br /> narrowing the driveway before it encounters the property line. <br /> 1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance.: <br /> The hardcover requirements of the ordinance serve to protect the natural waters of Lake Minnetonka <br /> and to provide adequate on-site control of runoff from the property. The current property has large <br /> masses of impervious paving and/or structure located closer to the lake than the proposed <br /> improvements. The existing hardcover of the property is not in-line with the ordinance and the <br /> proposal reduces the total hardcover of the lot, while also breaking up the hardcover across the <br /> buildable portions of the property. Additionally, the setback on the street side of the property is to <br /> allow adequate space for the entry and exit of vehicles from the garage without needing to use the <br /> street for turning (providing space for vehicles to enter and exit the street front first). The proposed <br /> location of the detached structure allows for this maneuverability over the shared easement with the <br /> neighboring property to the north. This 'hammer-head' configuration allows occupants of the property <br /> to turn around before entering Tonkawa Road. Additionally, locating the garage along the street <br /> setback line allows for the elimination of additional hardcover and the removal of the current steep <br /> access to the property itself. <br /> 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan.: <br /> The proposed improvements to the property are consistent with the comprehensive plan as they <br /> continue to maintain and enhance the character, diversity, and livability of the district and <br /> neighborhood. The proposed location and size are consistent with the goals of the comprehensive <br /> plan and with the neighboring properties. The renovation of the existing house instead of a new-build <br /> respects the neighboring properties and doesn't impinge on the views from neighboring properties. <br /> Additionally, the location of the garage structure nearer to the road is more consistent with <br /> properties along Tonkawa road, and serves to keep the mass of the garage away from adjacent homes. <br /> Finally, lowering the property's hardcover is consistent with the goals of the comprehensive plan and <br /> brings the property closer to compliance. <br /> 3a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the <br /> Zoning Chapter.: <br /> The unique lot depth, combined with the significant change in topography and the existing structure, <br /> create a limited space for building the detached garage. The large topography change from the street <br /> to the house doesn't allow for a garage (either attached or detached) to be located at the main floor <br /> level as the resulting driveway would be steeper than is allowable. The proposed location of the <br /> garage occupies the natural topographic change from the street to the house and reduces the <br /> hardcover of the site as a whole. By locating the garage doors facing the street (as many other <br /> detached garages along Tonkawa Road do), the proposed structure reduces the overall impact on <br /> hardcover and keeps the massing of the garage consistent and in-line with other structures along <br /> Tonkawa Road. Additionally, while different orientations of the garage were explored, they all <br /> increased the overall hardcover and created large retaining walls and earthworks to elevate the <br /> topography farther into the property. The proposed improvements to the house and the garage are <br /> 811 GLENWOOD AVENUE,SUITE 250,MINNEAPOLIS MN 55405 MURPHYCODESIGN.COM 612 470-5511 <br />