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Board of Adjustments Minutes July 28, 2020 Page 2 5.2 Rich Bengston — 9700 215"' Avenue NW * Accessory Structure Size Variance- 1,268 square feet, Case No. V 20-09 Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. He discussed an alternative to subdividing the property, but applicant wished to avoid this approach due to cost and time along with possible future concerns with a shared driveway. He noted the shared driveway could be managed by adding a condition for a sunset date. Chair Larson -Vito opened the public hearing. Richard Bengston, 19190 Hoover St. NW, outlined the reasons to apply for a variance to avoid the costly route of a property split and would cause a two-month delay. He stated the timeline for approval is now, explaining his wife grew up on the property, they are outgrowing their current home, and the home on this property is a one -bedroom and very small. He stated they have received bids from contractors and to keep on their timeline before winter, the time to begin this remodel is now. Commissioner Beise asked when this planning start. Mr. Bengston stated the process began three years ago when they began discussing this remodel, explaining his father-in-law began slipping in health and they now make daily visits to the property. He stated this approval will allow the parents to remain on the property they have owned. There being no one else present to speak, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing. Commissioner Rydberg stated he has a problem with trying to fit this request into the existing zoning. He explained this is an existing farm, but the city overlaid the zoning on this and without a variance would force them to divide this 8 -acre parcel. He felt to remodel an existing building on the inside would not affect the neighbors or the environment and understood the family need to address senior housing. He suggested reviewing the zoning ordinance to allow more flexibility. He would like to see this variance approved. Commissioner Johnson stated he agreed with Commissioner Rydberg and said when they passed the accessory dwelling unit ordinance, it was geared towards a smaller property adding an extra garage with a mother-in-law suite. He feels the criteria are met, not adding any new buildings, not adding any additional square footage. Expanding the livable space that exists inside the building. In favor of approving the variance. He can see the different criteria, but he feels he can justify where he feels it would be reasonable and fit within the guidelines of the criteria. Commissioner Thiel stated this is a tough one but agreed with city staff as he felt an accessory structure is meant to be a barn. He stated if there were no other alternatives, then look at a variance for a solution, but felt splitting the property P 0 N E A E I I r NATURE]