Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/03/2019

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Regular Planning Commission 5. 1. Meeting Date: 01/03/2019 By: Chloe McGuire Brigl, Community Development Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a Variance Request to Allow a Detached Accessory Garage Nearer the Front Lot Line than the Home at 5725 180th Ln NW (Project No. 18-162); Case of Lisa and Scott Monserud Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review a request from Lisa & Scott Monserud (the "Applicant"), owners of the home at 5725 180th Ln NW (the "Subject Property") to build a detached garage closer to the front lot line than the home on the subject property. The subject property is approximately 1.37 acres and is zoned R-1 Rural Developing. The City Code restricts the siting of detached accessory buildings on lots less than 2 acres to the side or rear yard. In order for an accessory building be nearer the front property line than the principal building on the lot, a variance must be obtained. Notification: Staff attempted to notify all property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the requested variance via standard U.S. mail and published the Notice of Public Hearing in the Anoka County UnionHerald. Observations/Alternatives: Garage Specifications The proposed garage would be 24 x 60 and would be a metal building with colors compatible to the home. The proposed garage would be used for personal storage, and is a four stall garage. The applicant has signed a document that states no portion of the detached garage would be used for a home -based business, and that there are no home -based businesses onsite. Based on the property size, the property is allowed up to 2,200 square feet of accessory buildings, a maximum of three total accessory buildings, and must have exerior finish similar to the home, including compatible metal panels. There is currently a 10 x 10 foot membrane structure onsite that will be removed upon completion of the detached garage. If the variance is approved, the property will have 1,440 square feet of accessory buildings, which does allow for future expansion, including the installation of a shed. The garage will house a classic car, multiple off -road vehicles, a boat, and a 4-wheeler, most of which are currently stored outside on the Subject Property. Staff does note that these items are currently not in compliance with the City Code, as the vehicles are stored in the rear yard on the grass. These code violations will need to be cleared with the new building, and notes that no vehicles may be stored on the grass. The proposed detached garage does meet the front yard setback of 40 feet. City Code The City Code allows accessory buildings in the front yard of lots greater than two acres if three of the following conditions are met: • Minimum of three complimentary colors • Minimum of 35% brick on front facade . 100% vegetative screening