Signed Findings of Fact 24-21CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COLINTIES, MINNESOTA
FINDINCS OF FACT
AND DECISION
Application ofThompson Construction, LLC, on bchalfofthe Joan E Joyce Trust (Property Owner)
for a front yard setback variance to reduce the fronl yard setback to approxiniately twenty-seven (27)
fcct to allow thc expansion ofa garagc on a propcrry zoned Singlc Family Rcsidcntial District (RSF)
- Planning Case 2024-21.
On January 21, the Chanhassen Planning Cotnmission, acting as the Board ofAppeals and
Adjustments, met at its rcgularly schcdulcd meeting to consider thc application. Thc Planning
Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed variance preceded by published and mailed
notice. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments makcs the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
l. The property is currently zoned Single Family Rcsidential District (RSF).
2. The property is guided in the chanhassen comprchcnsive Plan for Residential Low Density
The legal description of the property is:
Section 24, Township I16, Range 023, Subdivision SHORE ACRES, Lot I 1 & Lot l2 Carver
County, Minnesota.
3. Variance Find inss - Section 20-58 ofthe Ci ty Code provides the following criteria for the
granting of a variance
Variances sha[[ only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and
intent of this Chapter and when the variances are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
a
Finding:
The requested variance fulfills the intent of the chapter as the proposed use of a two
stall garage is a reasonable proposed use for the property with a single-family home and
the garages' minimal encroachment is found to be consistent with the comprehensive
pla n.
b. When thcrc arc practical difficultics in complying with thc zoning ordinancc. "Practical
difficulties" as used in conneclion with the granting ofa variance, means that the property
owner proposcs to use thc property in a rcasonablc manncr not permittcd by this Chapter.
Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for
solar cnergy systcms.
IN RE:
I
Finding: The property owner proposes to expand a garage to allow for an interior door
between the house and the garage, which is a reasonable use of the property. The
proposed two stall garage is also a reasonable proposal and can only expanded towards
the front lot line due to the unique construction and age of the home.
That the purpose ofthe variation is not based upon economic considerations alonec
c
Finding: The proposed variance is not based on economic considerations alone and is
part ofan improvcmcnt that will allow the residents to agc in placc.
d. The plight of the landowner is duc to circumstanccs unique to lhc property not creatcd by thc
landowner.
Finding: The plight ofthe landowner is created by the age and substandard size ofthe lot
as well as the age and unique construction ofthe home.
The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality
Finding: The applicant has proposed a minimal expansion that is unlikely to be noticed
ftom the rightof-way. The applicant is also proposing exterior renovations to the
property that will iniprove the character ofthe home. This is one ofthe city's oldest
neighborhoods and it has seen a substantial amount of tumover in housing stock leading to a
blend ofarchitectural styles, which therefore will not alter the character ofthe
neighborhood.
f. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes
Section 216C.06, subdivision 14, when in harmony with this Chapter.
Finding: The proposed garage is not an earth-sheltered construction and therefore this
statement is not applicable.
4. The planning report #2024-21, dated January 8, 2025, prepared by Rachel Jeske et al, is
incorporated herein.
The Planning Commission approves the requested for side yard setback variance, subject to the
following conditions:
I . Thc proposed building sctbacks shall comply with the plan prcparcd by Thompson Constrlction,
LLC dated l2ll9l2074.
2. Building plans rnust provide sufficient infonnation to verify that the proposed building meets all
rcquirements of thc Mlnncsota Statc Building Code, additional comments or rcquircmcnts may
be required after plan review
)
DECtSIO\
3. A building pennit must be obtained before beginning any constrlrction.
ADOPTED by the Chanhassen Planning Commission this 2l st day of January,2025.
CITY OF HASSEN
BY:
Its: Chair
3