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Date Application Received: 06/20/2023 <br />Date Application Considered as Complete: 06/23/2023 <br />60-Day Review Period Expires: 08/22/2023 <br /> <br /> <br />To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members <br /> Adam Edwards, City Administrator <br /> <br />From: Natalie Nye, Planner <br /> <br />Date: July 17, 2023 <br /> <br />Subject: #LA23-000032, Paul Skoog, 250 Tonka Avenue <br />Variances for Lot Area, Lot Width, and Rear Yard Setback - Public Hearing <br /> <br /> <br />Background <br />The applicant is requesting variances to construct a new home on the property and demolish the existing <br />home and detached garage. The subject property is substandard in size for the LR-1A zoning district which <br />requires a minimum of 2 acres and a 200-foot-wide lot. The subject property is .43 acres and 150 feet in <br />width. The proposed home will be constructed in a similar location as the existing home. The applicant is <br />requesting a 5-foot variance from the required 50-foot rear yard setback in order to construct the new <br />home and driveway within the physical constraints of the lot. The required rear yard setback is 50 feet and <br />the proposed home will be 45 feet from the rear property line. All other setbacks and zoning requirements <br />including hardcover and lot coverage are met. <br /> <br />Practical Difficulties Analysis <br />Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has stated the existing topography on the site as a <br />practical difficulty for the placement of the proposed home. The driveway placement is further restricted <br />by an existing storm drain. The reduction in the required rear yard setback by 5 feet would lessen the <br />driveway slope, reduce the height of needed retaining walls, and save a mature tree. <br /> <br />Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Staff agrees with the applicant’s assessment. The property is <br />substandard in both size and width and has topographical challenges. Existing site elements constrain the <br />building envelope and site access. The site has practical difficulties supporting the applicant’s request. <br /> <br />LOT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET <br /> <br />Section 78-350 & 78-1279 – Setbacks: <br />LR-1A District Required Existing Proposed <br />Front 31.85’* 55’ 34.2’ <br />North Side 10’ 11’ 12’ <br />South Side 10’ 98’ 62’ <br />Rear 50’ 41’ 45’ <br />*The LR-1A District front yard setback is 50’ however an average of the neighboring homes front yard <br />setbacks can be used resulting in the required 31.85’ setback <br /> <br />Section 78-350 – Lot Area/Width: <br />LR-1A District Lot Area Lot Width <br />Required 87,120 s.f. (2.0 acres) 200’ <br />Application Summary: The applicant is requesting variances for lot area, lot width, and rear yard setback for <br />the construction of a new home. <br />Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval.