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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-22 PACKET 06.2.STAFF REPORT CASE: V13 -028 ITEM: 6.2 PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 7/22/13 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 8/14/13 APPLICATION APPLICANT: Bernard and Sue Bielke REQUEST: A variance to allow a porch addition to be a minimum of 31 feet from the rear property line when 35 feet is required. SITE DATA LOCATION: 8057 Jocelyn Avenue South ZONING: R -4, Low Density Residential CONTIGUOUS LAND USE: NORTH: Residential EAST: Residential SOUTH: Residential WEST: Residential SIZE: Addition = 10.5 feet x 14 feet DENSITY: N/A RECOMMENDATION Approval, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions stipulated in this staff report. COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION Planning Staff Contact: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner, 651 - 458 -2825, jburbank(aDcottage- qrove.orq G: \CITYFILES \13 CITYFILES \028V Bielke Porch 2013 -07 -22 \Planning \V13 -028 Bielke Porch SR cover 2013- 07- 22.docx Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance Planning Case No. C13 -014 July 22 2013 Proposal Bernard and Sue Bielke have made application for a variance to allow a porch addition at 8057 Jocelyn Avenue South to be a minimum of 31 feet from the rear property line when 35 feet is required. Location Map Background The applicants recently applied for a building permit for an enclosed porch on the back of their home. It was noted during the permit review that the current home is set back 35 feet from the rear property line, which is the minimum setback for principal structures within this zoning district. During review with the applicant it was determined that windows and other existing features of the home prohibited a redesign of the floor plan for the addition. Based on this fact and that the lot is uniquely shaped, the applicant was advised to apply for a variance. Planning Considerations Land Use The property is guided for low density residential. The proposed request is in conformance with this land use classification. Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 2 of 8 Zoning The property is zoned R -4, Low Density Residential. The proposed request is in conformance with this zoning classification. Property Characteristics The site contains a single family residence with an attached garage, a deck, an above ground pool, and a 192 square foot detached accessory structure. i I AMA( 4 Site The Certificate of Survey for this property is shown below. This survey shows 35 feet between the existing home and the rear property line. There is a five -foot drainage and utility easement along the sides and rear property lines. Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 3 of 8 �C e y 5 is • 1 p \ w -• ail Proximity Review With any variance request review, analysis of the project's proximity to the surrounding adjacent uses is done. The detail below identifies the approximate distance from the center of the addition to the closest adjacent houses. �, V IX WAN% Aerial View of Addition Location Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 4 of 8 Proposed Porch Addition The proposed 10.5 -foot by 14 -foot porch addition will be constructed with windows, exterior finishes, and color scheme similar to the existing residential structure. Due to the angled design of the site's rear property line, the porch setbacks at the closest will be 31 feet. The Applicant submitted photos taken of various views from the proposed porch location. The home was constructed in 1991, so the trees and vegetation on this site and that of adjacent properties are of significant maturity, are well established, and will provide adequate screening of the pro- posed addition. These images and the related photo orientation detail are shown below. Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 5 of 8 'mo t ts IL r,' •� ; h j of h Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 6 of 8 The following photos were obtained by staff during a site visit: Viaw of roar yard vanatatinn /srraaninn — hark of hm ma Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 7 of 8 The green lines below indicate the general location of the proposed addition envelope. The existing window will be replaced with a door and the roof pitch will tie into the existing rooflines. Utilities All the public utilities exist and provide adequate service to this property and all other residential properties in this neighborhood. No public utilities need to be relocated or modified to accommodate the applicant's proposed addition. Variance Criteria The City Council may grant variances from the strict application of the zoning ordinance and can impose conditions and safeguards on the variance. Under the new variance law that went into effect on May 6, 2011, the City should adopt findings addressing the following questions: • Is the variance in harmony with the purposes and intent of the ordinance? • Is the variance consistent with the comprehensive plan? • Does the proposal put property to use in a reasonable manner? • Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? • Will the variance, if granted, alter the essential character of the locality? Public Hearing Notices Public hearing notices were mailed to 70 property owners who are within 500 feet of the property. These notices were mailed on July 11, 2013. Planning Staff Report Bielke Porch Rear Yard Setback Variance July 22, 2013 Page 8 of 8 Recommendation That the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the Bielke's variance application to allow a porch addition at 8057 Jocelyn Avenue South to be a minimum of 31 feet from the rear property line when 35 feet is required based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed below: Findinqs of Fact. A. The lot is uniquely shaped. B. The exterior building materials, design, and color scheme for the proposed attached porch addition will match the existing principal structure. C. The proposed addition is in harmony with the existing principal structure and other residential structures in this neighborhood. D. The trees and vegetation on this site and that of adjacent properties provide adequate screening. E. The proposal is consistent with the property's reasonable use, will enhance the property's value, and is similar to the essential character of the existing house. F. The addition does not impact or compromise any existing drainage or utility easements placed on the property. Conditions of Approval: 1. The applicant must complete a building permit application and a building permit must be is- sued by the City's Building Inspections Division before construction of the addition can begin. 2. The applicant shall complete the project in a timely manner. 3. Dust and erosion must be controlled in accordance with best construction methods. 4. The exterior materials and color scheme of the proposed attached porch addition must match the existing principal structure. Prepared by: John M. Burbank, AICP Senior Planner