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Variance and Nonconforming Use Request – Gordhamer Residence (1820 Skyhigh Dr) Planning Commission Report; 10-15-19 Page 5 Nonconforming Use Variance Review: APPLICANT Project Narrative: I am looking to build an addition to my home on Sky High Dr. The home as it sits has a non- conforming garage. It was my intent when purchasing the home to make improvements to it to make it a livable home. I am asking for a variance to add additional 15 feet on to the North side of the property at the same depth as the existing section of the home and non- conforming garage (34 feet). This will allow me to enlarge the garage and add two additional bedrooms and master bath. There has been no issue with the way the home sits now and in talking with my neighbors they feel the addition would be a great improvement. I feel that this is the best use on the existing home and being able to make a cost effective improvement to the community and neighborhood. Building the home with this same layout will add design and character to the neighborhood. The difficultly in bring it into a conforming home is the removal of the existing area of the home down to the foundation, additional soil removal and all new foundation work. This cost would make the addition prohibitive. I feel the new addition would add to the comprehensive plan by improving the housing stock and making it a more family friendly home. This addition would also add value to my home and my neighbors as well. I appreciate your time in review the information I have submitted and hope for a positive outcome. Criteria Analysis: The applicant is requesting a 12.4’ variance from the required 30’ setback from the right-of-way for Skyhigh Drive. By state statute, there are three definitive criteria that all variances must address: consistency with the ordinance, consistency with the comprehensive plan, and the establishment of “practical difficulties.” General Variance Standards 1) Is the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Code? Staff Analysis: The requested variance appears to be in alignment with the intent of the zoning code. Legal nonconformities are protected by state statute, and the proposed extension of the building would not change the existing nonconformity but for a slight skew between the front of the home and the angle of the road (i.e. because they are not perfectly parallel, extending the home 15 feet to the north will technically bring the home 3” closer to the roadway than the current structure). The proposed improvements will enhance the existing building with no potential impact on surrounding properties. Criteria met.