05-18-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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#2369 - Fiedler May 14,1998 Page 3 for parking a large vehicle between the garage and the alley. According to the proposed garage floor elevation, the garage floor will be lower than existing grade to better match the alley elevation. Review of Hardships The submitted hardship statement notes the 'physical constraints because of lot size'. Criteria for Determining Undue Hardship The following criteria must be considered in determining whether adequate hardship exists to grant variances: 1. 2. 4. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls. The property contains a small existing residence, but that residence cannot be expanded or replaced without major variances due to the small lot size. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. The number of variances and the magnitude of those variances are related to the size and shape of the proposed house. A smaller but functional house and garage could result in elimination of the lot coverai^e variance, and reduction in the magnitude of the hardcover variances. These variances are related to the size of the house being proposed. However, replacement of the house even at a smaller size would still require lot area, lot width, and .setback variances since the lot is subject to 2 -acre zone standards, a factor which applicant cannot control. 3. The variance, if granted, v^lll not alter the essential character of the locality. Applicants' lot and the one next door are identical in size and are by far the smallest lots in the neighborhood. Each contains a small house. The character of this neighborhood is, for better or worse, changing from what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Larger homes on combined parcels are likely to be the norm in the future, rather than the 'lake cottage' character that seems to be disappearing in most of our lakeshore neighborhoods. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of this chapter. Economic factors have not been suggested as a consideration with this application.