Narrative VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR 3713 SOUTH CEDAR DRIVE, EXCELSIOR MN
55331
In June of 2019 we purchased 3713 South Cedar Drive, Excelsior MN. The lot is a
non-conforming, sub standard lot with a current home and non-conforming single
car garage that is in tough shape. We are doing everything we can to
remodel/upgrade the home and garage to modern standards.
We originally had plans for a more substantial remodel that would have required a
side variance for an attached garage. After consulting with McKenzie Walters we
learned that was not an appropriate way to go and would further compromise the
land vs improve. We worked closely with McKenzie and our architect on a revised
plan that reduced the size of the remodel, eliminated the need for any side variance,
and allows us to have a small but adequate attached two-car garage. We plan to
remove the non-conforming, single car detached garage that is 8.5 feet from the
property line and replace this with a two car attached garage. The new garage
would be approximately 27.5 feet back from the property line. This significantly
reduces the current non-conformity of the single car garage and brings the new
garage up to code. Our plan works within the current hardcover requirements and
may ultimately reduce the amount of impervious concrete. This plan also allows for
a driveway that is long enough for cars to park safely off the road. Due to the length
and width of our sub standard lot we cannot get the garage back the full 30 feet. The
central character of the neighborhood is non-conforming so this variance would not
compromise the neighborhood in any way.