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<br />City Council Minutes <br />October 6, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />8. GENERAL BUSINESS <br /> <br /> <br /> 8.1 Variance: Garage/Accessory Dwelling Unit Size, Jennifer Belde - 21131 Vernon St NW <br /> The staff report was presented. <br />Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to direct staff to <br />draft a resolution stating that findings of fact are made, denying the accessory structure <br />size variances, as the standards for approval, as noted below, are not met. The City <br />Council would consider the resolution on October 20, 2025. <br /> <br />1. The variance is not in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the <br />ordinance, as the proposed ADU exceeds the maximum allowable living area by 600 <br />square feet and the accessory structure exceeds the permitted size by 148 square <br />feet, undermining the ordinance standards intended to ensure ADUs remain <br />subordinate to the principal dwelling and that accessory structures remain <br />consistent with neighborhood character. <br />2. The variance is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, which anticipates <br />orderly residential development supported by zoning standards. Granting the <br />variance would conflict with the implementing ordinances that guide residential <br />scale and character. <br />3. The property can be reasonably used without the variance, as the zoning ordinance <br />already permits a 1,000 square foot ADU and accessory structures up to 2,500 <br />square feet. A compliant ADU and garage could be constructed without exceeding <br />size limits. <br />4. The plight of the applicant is not due to circumstances unique to the property, but <br />rather a result of the existing home and garage design, which does not justify <br />exceeding ordinance limits. Economic considerations or design preferences do not <br />constitute practical difficulties. <br />5. Granting the variance could alter the essential character of the locality, as the size <br />of the proposed ADU may compete in scale with principal dwellings, changing the <br />intended residential character of the R-1a district. <br /> <br />Additionally, direct staff to work with the city attorney and draft an ordinance providing <br />applicants with an opportunity to request variances specifically related to ADA <br />requirements.. Motion Carried 5-0. <br /> <br /> 8.2 Discuss Work Session Items <br /> There was no discussion. <br /> <br />9. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES <br /> <br /> <br /> 9.1 Council Liaison Updates <br /> The council members provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes. <br /> <br />10. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING