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MURPHY & CO <br /> -DISTINCTIVE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE— <br /> The significant topography across the site(specifically along the road)as well as the shorter depth and existing <br /> structures create a limited area for the placement/construction of the detached garage.While many properties <br /> along Tonkawa Road experience similar topography changes,the property in question (and the immediately <br /> adjoining properties)are at most narrow point between Tonkawa Road and the bay along this stretch.This creates <br /> a situation that is unique to the property. <br /> 9.The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which said land is located.: <br /> As noted previously,while other properties along Tonkawa Road have similar topography challenges, many of the <br /> other properties have much greater depths that allow for the topography to be alleviated without the need for a <br /> variance. <br /> 10.The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property <br /> right of the applicant.: <br /> The homeowners consciously decided to only add enough size/square footage to the property to reasonably enjoy <br /> the home.They considered much grander ideas,including a complete new build,at the onset of the project, but <br /> elected to keep with a renovation to better fit with the neighboring properties.The variances in question allow for <br /> the property to be enjoyed in a safe and reasonable manner by the homeowner. By adding a half-story to the <br /> structure and not moving the structure closer to the lake,the homeowners are attempting to be respectful of the <br /> neighboring properties.Additionally, by placing the garage along the street,the homeowners are being consistent <br /> and respectful of the neighbors while eliminating the steep driveway that can become hazardous in the winter. <br /> These decisions resulted in the most minimal variance request. <br /> 11.The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health,safety,comfort,morals,or in any <br /> other respect be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Code.: <br /> With the proposed improvements to the property(specifically the reduction in hardcover)and the elimination of a <br /> steep and potentially hazardous driveway for the property,granting of the variances would in fact be an <br /> improvement to the health,safety,and comfort of the neighborhood and property. By allowing adequate space for <br /> vehicles to turn from the garage,the property preserves the'front first'access to the road,while allowing all of the <br /> vehicle maneuvering to happen on a flat drive instead of a steeply sloping drive. <br /> 12.The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant,but is necessary to <br /> alleviate demonstrable difficulty.: <br /> As noted, the proposed variances improve the hardcover of the property in overall numbers and <br /> allocate the hardcover for the property farther from the lake. Additionally, the proposed garage <br /> location provides safer access to the property by eliminating the need for vehicles to traverse the <br /> significant topography and allowing them to enter and exit the garage at the street level. The <br /> difference in elevation is then traversed by foot via the interior or exterior stairs. <br /> 811 GLENWOOD AVENUE,SUITE 250,MINNEAPOLIS MN 55405 MURPHYCODESIGN.COM 612 470-5511 <br />