08-19-1996 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File <^2160 August 15, 1996 Page 2 Summary of Request Applicants propose two additions to the existing garage which is located less than 1’ from the street lot line and from 4.4' to 7.4' from the side lot line. The existing garage has doors which face Casco Circle, leaving virtually no room for parking in front of the garage other than within the right-of-way. Currently, additional parking is in a graveled area directly adjacent to the garage. Applicants propose to construct a 24' x 16' addition to the rear of the existing garage, and replace the existing 8:12 pitch roof with a steeper 12:12 pitch roof, enclosing some storage space. Applicant has indicated he does not propose to move the garage stall doors to the side as shown on the construction elevation views, but intends to leave the doors facing the street. The existing garage is non-conforming from the perspective that with doors facing the street it should be 30' from the street lot line and 10' from the side lot line. The proposed garage will in many respects be even more non-conforming because the added size places it into a categoiy (750-1,000 s.f.) which requires a 15' side setback. Discussion Applicant has indicated in his supplementar>' information letter (E.xhibit E) that the existing garage is a sound structure with proper frost footing foundation, and that the costs to tear it down and start over in the location meeting the setback requirements would be cost-prohibitive. Further, he notes that a large 4' diameter maple tree would be lost if the entire structure w'as moved to meet the required setbacks. The garage addition as proposed will be approximately 12' from the base of that tree. The existing garage has an Id' concrete apron between the garage doors and the traveled surface of Casco Circle. While this leaves room to park two full size cars without extending into traffic, all of that parking is within the right-of-way. The reason the City Code requires a 30' street lot line setback for garage doors facing the street, is to allow substantial off-street parking outside of the right-of-way. Given the relatively narrow width of pavement on Casco Circle, it would be in the best interests of the City to decrease parking within the right-of-way. And, technically per Municipal Code Section 8.20, parking vehicles between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. upon any public street (defined as the right-of-way) is prohibited. Obviously, this has not been enforced in most neighborhoods. Further, Zoning Code Section 10.61, Subd. 5 (A) indicates that within residential districts, "All vehicles normally owned or kept by the occupants on the premises must have a garage stall or open parking space on the same lot as the principal use served...". Also, Subd. 4 "Purpose of Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements", states that "regulation of off-street parking and loading spaces in this chapter is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public right-of- way and so to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum