01-26-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r : ■ ! : #2319 - Lauer Homes, Inc. January 22, 1998 Page 2 impact on drainage if the house is moved back into the hill. The intended owner of the home, Mr. Buxton, noted that meeting the 25% limit would force grading into the hill and that the driveway becomes awkward. The minority vote appeared to be based on the opinion that no hardship exists on this lot to support a hardcover variance for new construction, and the house could be reduced in size or redesigned to meet the 25% standard. Staff Recommendation Staff agrees with the minority opinion in this case. The only persuasive argument to justify the variance is the opportunity to bring a non-conforming hardcover situation nearer conformity. The house could undoubtedly be redesigned and reoriented to meet hardcover standards. Applicants argument is that the value of the lot demands a home of commensurate value; that placing the home further from the lake does not take advantage of the existing flat building site and would limit its views of the lake due to the location of the home to the south; and that the shape of the shoreline and the topography worked in favor of the property owners to the north (due to the location of the building sites in relation to the 250' setback line) but not to the advantage of this lot. Council must determine whether granting of the variance at a 30% level of hardcover is supported by adequate hardship, and whether the City ’s long term interests are best served by accepting a reduction in hardcover from 39.4% to 30% or by denying the variance altogether. Staff has prepared a resolution for approval based on Planning Commission's majority recommendation. If Council concludes that denial is appropriate, direct staff to draft a denial resolution, or table if applicant requests tabling. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Determine whether the variance should be granted and either adopt/amend the attached resolution or direct staff to draft a denial resolution.