06-20-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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Clark Variance Application Property Address: 565 Leaf St Long Lake, MN 55356 Submitted by Mike and Marcy Clark My wife and I propose to build a carriage home on our lot at 565 Leaf Street, Long Lake MN. We moved here 3 years ago and have installed a pool at the rear of the house. The pool has increased our winter storage space needs due to pool equipment, patio chairs, etc. We also have four drivers in the family but only two usable garage spaces in the winter months. I am also in the process of retiring and need some hobby/workspace on the property. The home has a 2 -car garage on the main floor and a tuck -under garage accessible by a split driveway. This is very hard to access in the winter months due to snow. In addition, the angles for entry and departure to the tuck -under garage are very challenging due to the location of a retaining wall. There is no ability to expand the current garage space due to the sloping lot and the location of the tuck -under garage as built. This is creating the need for a secondary structure that will allow for increased garage and storage space. Our home was built onto the very back of a uniquely shaped lot which is very long, and narrow compared to most lots in the neighborhood. This does not allow us to build the carriage house to the rear of the main house. Our proposed site to build is in front of the existing home but on the side in a wooded area where an existing storage shed sits. This proposed build meets all of the setback requirements but is located forward of the house in relation to Leaf St. The percentage of hardscape once completed will be well under the limits set for the zone. We are looking for a variance to locate the carriage house forward of the main house. This addition to the property will have minimal impact on the site lines of our neighbors to the north or the road in front of the house. The design plan is to match the existing character and style of our house and the neighbors' outpost buildings to our north. We have no neighbors to the south and east of our lot by well over 300 ft. The proposed building will be done by a reputable firm to completion in a reasonable, agreed timeline. We truly believe this carriage home will be in harmony with the neighborhood and the city plan. In summary, the practical difficulties we face are due to our increased need for garage and storage space. We cannot feasibly expand our current garage to accommodate our needs. Zoning codes allow for the construction of a secondary structure but our unique property shape along with the positioning of the house requires us to place that structure forward of the house which requires this variance application.