Agenda Packet Cc - regular meeting 10/24/1988

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Zoning File #990 October 19, 1988 Page 2 of 3 DiscusaiOD - Given the history of this parcel, and given the fact that applicant has demonstrated th ability to place a house and primary and alternate septic systems on the property, but given the precedent of granting any variance for a substandard, unsewered, common- ownership lot situation, staff feels there are significant factors and reasons supporting both sides of the issue. As noted in previous memos, there will be some additional situations within the City that could request the same consideration if this common -ownership variance is granted. Those additional situations are not overwhelming in number, amounting to approximately 22 unsewered, common -ownership situations with a realistic potential for requesting variances to lot area in order to gain an additional building site. However, as staff has noted previously, 22 additional houses on substandard lots in the unsewered zone does not further the City's intent to avoid sewering the rural areas of the City. Furthermore, it is staff's opinion that reduction of the existing developed building site from 9 conforming 2.9 acre size down to a 1.01 acre lot size, is precedent setting in and of itself. Although Planning Commission is comfortable with the idea that they are granting only a 5% variance, staff feels this action will be perceived as setting a more adverse precedent and setting a standard that makes a statement that a 1.01 acre lot is acceptable in the 2 acre zone. For this reason, if a new building site is approved, staff would recommend that the 2.9 acres be split evenly between the new building site and the existing building site, giving each 1.45 acre. This also will potentially provide a second alternate drainfield site for the existing house, making that property less prone to becoming a candidate for municipal sewer in the future. This would require a lot line rearrangement.