PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Resolution #19-210 Approving a Location Variance for a Detached Accessory Building Located at 16158 Nowthen Blvd NW; Case of Dan Sadler

The City received an application from Dan Sadler (the "Applicant") to obtain a variance to the location requirements for a detached accessory structure in the R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) District on the property located at 16158 Nowthen Blvd NW. Per City Code, detached accessory structures must be in the side or rear yard on properties smaller than two acres, unless a variance is obtained to locate the structure in the front yard.

Notifications of this proposal were sent via Standard US Mail to Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected by Anoka County Property Records. A notice was also published in the Anoka Union Herald, the City's official newspaper, for the September 5, 2019 Planning Commission meeting.

General
The Applicant is proposing to construct a twenty foot by twenty-four foot (20' x 24') detached accessory structure (garage) in the front yard of their property. The detached garage would be in front of the dwelling and located closer to the road in which the property gains access (Nowthen Boulevard).

The Subject Property is impacted by a drainage pond on the southeast half of the property. The Subject Property is also impacted by the location of the well system, septic system, and drainage field. Combined, Staff believes that these issues constitute a practical difficulty whereby the Applicant is unable to construct a detached garage in a location permitted by City Code. Per City Code, the property is allowed up to 2,400 square feet of accessory structures. The applicant is only proposing a 480 square foot accessory structure. If the garage were attached to the home, it would be approved without a variance as the proposed garage does meet front yard setback requirements.

The Applicant states that there will be sufficient tree cover to mask the presence of the detached garage from neighboring properties and the street.

Zoning
The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing). All surrounding properties are zoned the same. A number of nearby properties have detached accessory buildings.

Wetlands
There are wetlands identified on the southeast half of the property. These wetlands are also located close to the property's septic drainage field. These wetlands make it difficult to construct a detached garage in the rear yard and impossible to construct in the side yard. Therefore, the applicant is applying for a variance to construct a detached garage in the front yard. The proposed structure would be approximately sixty feet (60') from the observed wetland.

Streets and Access
The Subject Property gains access off Nowthen Boulevard NW. There is an existing driveway from the principle garage on the Subject Property to Nowthen Boulevard, a County Road. 

Variance Considerations

• Is the use reasonable?
  • Yes, detached garages are an allowed use in this district.
• Would the use change the character of the neighborhood?
  • No, many homes in the neighborhood and Ramsey have detached garages. Additionally, this is well under the allowed square footage on the property.
• Is the property unique?
  • Yes, the property is encumbered by wetlands making it impossible to build anywhere but the proposed location.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request.

Staff recommends approving the request for a variance to the location requirements for a detached accessory structure (garage) on the Subject Property.

Adopt Resolution #19-210 granting a variance to the location requirements for a detached accessory structure on the Subject Property.