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Memo to the Board of AdjustmentsN97-8 <br /> August 26, 1997 <br /> Page 2 <br /> front yard setback requirement applies to both sides of the property. The site <br /> contains the applicant's house and attached garage. The site is level with no <br /> topographic limitations that might affect the location of the proposed garage <br /> addition. The house is located in the northeast corner of the lot which limits <br /> the space available for an addition to the south end of the lot. <br /> Overview <br /> The applicant has indicated that they need the addition to accommodate the <br /> needs of their family; they now have two children that share a bedroom. The <br /> existing garage would be converted to living space. The house does not have a <br /> basement so improving that is not an option. <br /> The applicant has looked at a smaller garage, which could be constructed and <br /> meet the setback requirements. However, that would not provide them with <br /> the storage and living space they need. They have also indicated in their <br /> letter that they considered relocating but could not manage it financially and <br /> • <br /> they want to stay in Elk River. They also looked at alternative layouts but <br /> found that the most cost effective design which would accomplish what they <br /> need is the design that is being proposed. Other designs would either require <br /> removing and relocating the existing concrete driveway or would not work <br /> • out architecturally with the existing structure. <br /> The neighboring house to the east is setback about 30 feet from the front <br /> property line. This allows for what could be considered a typical front yard <br /> view along this portion of Vale Road. If the applicant were to construct the <br /> garage as proposed, it would extend about 10 feet into this front yard area. In <br /> order to soften impact of this addition, the applicant has indicated to give the <br /> appearance the garage is an extension of the house, the garage will have <br /> windows on the side facing the neighbor and the side facing Vale Road. <br /> Landscaping will also be provided to screen the garage from the neighboring <br /> property. The garage will not block sight lines around the curve in Vale Road. <br /> Variance <br /> A variance may be granted only if it meets the following five conditions: <br /> 1. Literal enforcement of the ordinance will cause undue hardship. <br /> 2. The hardship is caused by special conditions and circumstances which <br /> are peculiar to the property and the structure involved and which are <br /> not characteristic of, or applicable to, other lands or structure in the <br /> • same area. <br /> \\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\v97-8.doc <br />