Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/23/2024

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10) The proposed detached garage was specifically designed with stone-work and LP smartside lap siding to match the exterior finish look of the existing home on both street facing sides, which complies with the Northfork Development covenants and City of Ramsey requirements. It will also be built with soffit, fascia and eave overhang. The overall aesthetics of the garage will look more natural with the overhead doors not facing the street. Essentially looking at a full 4 car façade facing the street would be much less desirable than the proposed location and layout. 11) The proposed detached garage will exceed the minimum side-yard setback of ten (10) feet 12) The purpose of the detached garage is for personal property, which, by the covenants of the Northfork Home Owner’s Association, is prohibited from being stored outside. 13) Due to the eight (8) foot vertical drop-off that spans the entire width of the property, there are special conditions to our property that do not generally apply to other properties in our zoning district. 14) The grading of the lot was not the result of any special requests from us. 15) The literal interpretation of the provisions of the City Code would deprive us of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district, namely the right to have additional garage space on the premises. 16) Placing the garage in the backyard (as some others have done in the Northfork development), would require moving the drain field which would require extraordinary costs. We believe that for the reasons listed above, this variance request meets the League of Minnesota Cities three (3) factor test. We believe we are using the property in a reasonable manner and our variance request is based on the uniqueness of our specific lot. The proposed garage will also not alter the essential character of our property or neighborhood.