AgdaPkt 2003-06-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9.A- REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY June 23, 2003 Subject Appeal of the Zoning Administrator's denial of a variance at 454 Barkentine Lane to allow for a fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback where twenty (20) is required. Recommendation Uphold the decision of the Zoning Administrator to deny the variance. Project Description The subject property is a flat, rectangular, 6,500 square foot parcel in the R -1, Single - Family Residential Zoning District. The proposed project includes expanding the existing first floor by approximately 413 square feet and constructing a new second floor of approximately 893 square feet for a total addition of about 1,300 square feet. The remodeled home would be a two -story, single - family dwelling of approximately 3,227 square feet. As proposed, the addition would result in a rear yard setback of fifteen (15) feet to both the first and second -story. The proposed addition conforms to all other requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, including side yard setbacks, height, and lot coverage. Appellant's Issues The appellant seeks relief from the basic zoning standards based on the following issues or conditions that they believe justify a rear yard setback variance for their property: A. Redwood Tree: The existing Redwood tree located in the front of the subject property prevents expansion to the front of the existing residence. B. Small Lot The 6,500 square foot lot is "relatively small." C. Park: The subject property backs onto Mariner Park (a 17 -acre open space area). D. Kitchen Recent upgrades to the home, including a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen, preclude alternate designs for the proposed addition. E. Neiohborino Pre - Existina Conditions: Some surrounding residences have fifteen (15) foot rear yard setbacks. F. Other Variances: The variance request is "similar' to previously granted variances. G. Other Cities: The variance request is "similar" to previously granted variances by other cities on the Peninsula. H. Tree Screenino: The presence of mature trees in the park will screen the addition from the park. Major Findings Variances can be granted as a remedy for land burdened by unique features, when those features result in hardship for achieving reasonable property development. Variances can only be granted when all three of the following findings can be made: that special