Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/03/2019

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. 10% window coverage on front facade and common property lines Because this lot is less than two acres, a variance must be obtained to place it nearer the front property line than the home. Staff does feel it is appropriate to apply the above conditions if the Planning Commission supports the variance request. Staff has discussed the above conditions with the applicant, and they have agreed to put windows on the south side of the building, stone on the east side of the building to match the home, and there is screening onsite which will not be removed. The building will also have complimentary colors and design to the home, though the building is proposed to have metal paneling. Practical Difficulties In order to grant a variance, the Planning Commission must consider the practical difficulty test and consider the following three -factor test: • Reasonableness: Staff does feel that a detached garage is a reasonable use of the residential property, and is an allowed accessory use on the property. The proposed garage is a 4-stall garage, which does seem a bit larger than typically required for residential use, but the owner has stated it would be used for personal storage. • Uniqueness: In order to grant a variance, the problem at hand cannot be caused by the landowner and generally the uniqueness relates to the physical characteristics of the property. The property owner has received a letter from their septic company stating that if put in the rear yard, they could not access the system. There are also wetlands onsite which limit the placement of the garage, as well as a pool. • Essential character: The Planning Commission must consider if the garage, if built, would be out of scale or place in the neighborhood. Staff does not feel that it would alter the character of the neighborhood, as other neighbors have similar buildings in the front yard, and the neighbors have signed a letter of support for the detached garage. Alternatives Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution 19-005 granting a variance to allow a detached garage to be built nearer the front property line than the home on the Subject Property. Based on the wetlands and septic location onsite, the surrounding properties and support from neighbors, the proposed addition does seem to meet the three criteria needed to grant a variance outlined above. The proposed garage would have comparable metal panels, windows, stone added, and have screening onsite. The proposed garage does meet the required front yard setback. Staff supports this alternative. Alternative 2: Deny the variance request. The applicant is proposing a new, detached garage that appears to match the character of the neighborhood and be a reasonable use of the property. The proposed garage does seem to make sense in the proposed location and meets the required front yard setback. Staff does not support this alternative. Funding Source: The Applicant is responsible for all costs related to this request. Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Resolution # 19-005 granting a variance to allow a detached garage to be built nearer the front property line than the home on the Subject Property. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution # 19-005 granting a variance to allow a detached garage to be built nearer the front property line than the home on the Subject Property. Attachments Site Plan Garage Front and Rear Elevations Property Photos