10-13-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Council Action continued Page 3 of 4 October 10, 1997 Zoning File #2295 City would approve variances for a garage in this location if a garage had never been there previously. The negative visual impacts of structures located within 1' of the street right- of-way on a rural lane, in staff s opinion, should outw'eigh the "convenience" aspect of the structure. Applicant notes the distance from his residence to his useable shoreline is a hardship. However, this garage location is so far removed from applicant's residence that it will appear to the casual observer to be totally disassociated from any neighborine residence. City code allows a 20 s.f., 4' high lock box to be placed at the shoreline for storage of lake related equipment. While such a lock box may not replace the storage needs suggested by the applicant, such storage could certainly be accomplished by an accessory structure adjacent to or attached to the existing residence. Further, it can be argued that there is no reasonable hardship because the storage needs can be uccomplished in a conforming manner within applicant's property. In staffs opinion, granting these variances will merely be a convenience to the property owner but are not supported by a reasonable hardship. Therefore, staff does not support this variance request. B. Fence replacement. Staff does not recommend approval of this request. The existing fence is deteriorated to a point that it should just simply be removed and a new fence be located in a conforming location. A conforming location would be far enough from the road that tht fence would not be a visual intrusion into the natural look of West Femdale Road as one travels it. On the other hand, a new 6' stockade type fence 10' from the road will be, in staff’s opinion, a new visual intrusion, similar to other such fences existing along West Ferndale Road. If Council chooses to approve replacement of the fence within the right-of-way, staff recommends the following minimum conditions of approval: 1. 2. 3. The fence should be located at least 15' from the paved roadway; The applicant should attempt to leave as much existing shrubbery in front of it as possible for screening, and should be required to plant additional screening materials between 10-15' from the pavement in front of the fence. Applicant should be required to execute a hold harmless agreement, relieving the City from any responsibility for damage to or maintenance of that fence located in the City right-of-way.