08-15-1994 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r Zoning File #1944 July 12. 1994 Page2 The subject property is similar in size with neighboring develojjed properties, review Exhibit B. The property is located to the immediate south of the property at 4030 Elm Street that was granted an area variance earlier this year. There is no adjacent undeveloped lands available for purchase to make this lot any larger. In fact, it is the largest of the lots on the south side of Elm Street. Note variances were granted to 601 and 615 Minnetonka Highland (part of Minnetonka Summit Park Plat) in 1975 and 1976. Ever since the inception of the zoning code and area standards, this area has been zoned 1 acre minimum lot size. Minnetonka Summit Park subdivision was platted in June of 1912 prior to any zoning standards for the City. The pattern for development has been the combining of the various substandard lots into single building envelopes. The property is served by municipal sewer and the three lots have been each assessed a third unit for a total of one sewer unit. The assessment has been paid. The lot has steep topographies but not so steep to suggest any difficulty in constructing a residence. The steep elevations along Elm St cet will necessitate deep cuts into banks to provide access drive to the building site. Applicant must obtain a driveway permit from the Public Works Department. As already noted in the earlier reviews, a culvert will be required. The Public Works Director will note the required size and approved type of culvert. Upon your site inspection, it will be difficult to determine the e.xact boundaries of the property but the culvert that drains under Elm Street from the unapproved right-of-way at the north side of the road, refer to Exhibit E, is located at the mid-point of the lot — very close to where the real estate and City land use sign have been placed. A shed appears to encroach into the property along the west lot line. Issues for Consideration: 1. Staff has been contacted by the owner of 615 Minnetonka Highland who is opposed to the granting of a variance to allow construction on the property. He claims there will be a diminution in his property values. In rev iewing the pattern of development of this neighborhood and the previous variances granted to this property and to adjacent propenies, can the City deny the current renewal lot area variance? Zoning standards have not changed since first variance approval in 1978. 2. Are there physical con.straints or limitations on this property that would prevent potential development? 3. Would the development of the subject property be consistent with the pattern of development within the Minnetonka Summit Park neighborhood?