Date: February 21, 2019
To: Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals
From: Scott Tempel, City Planner
Title
Consider Resolution for lot coverage variances in Hills of Spring Creek 8th
Body
Action Requested:
The Zoning Board of Appeals is requested to consider a request to increase the allowable percentage of building coverage from 30% to 35% for four lots in the Hills of Spring Creek 8th Subdivision.
Summary Report:
Hills of Spring Creek 8th is zoned Neighborhood General 2 (N2) and is located west of Spring Creek Road and north of Jefferson Parkway on the eastern Northfield border. The property owner would like to construct modest, single-level homes on the selected lots but is hitting the Building Area Ratio limit (BAR). Smaller homes, on smaller lots, are one of the goals of the Land Development Code (LDC). The designs proposed will make great move-down homes for seniors, which are currently in high demand in Northfield.
The criteria for approving a variance, according to Section 5.5.16(C), are as follows:
(1) Pursuant to Minn. Stat. ?462.357, Subd 6, as it may be amended from time to time, the zoning board of appeals may only grant applications for variances where practical difficulties in complying with this LDC (Land Development Code) exist and each of the following criteria are satisfied:
(a) The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this LDC; and,
(b) The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and
(c) The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this LDC; and
(d) The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; and
(e) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
VARIANCE
Northfield Land Development Code Table 3.2-2 Site Development Standards for N2 District sets the maximum allowed BAR at 30%. The applicant is requesting to increase this limit to 35% for the four l...
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