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VN-243 <br />Page 4 <br />variance in the past. In this case Thermo- <br />King's property line is 50 feet from curb, thus <br />their building is setback 90-feet from the existing <br />street. I would consider the circumstances of the <br />applicant somewhat unusual because of the 90-foot <br />front yard. Under most usual circumstances a build- <br />ing would be located about 50-feet from the curb. <br />As I identified in my 1984 Staff report my greatest concern for approval <br />of this variance request is the long range use of the area behind the <br />fence north of the building. This area is adjacent to the trailer truck <br />parking area and over time could be expanded (even though unintentional- <br />ly) for parking and storage. Parking and outside storage areas are pro- <br />hibited in front yard setbacks. The concrete curbing shown on the site <br />plan between the front yard and trailer parking area has not been in- <br />stalled as required by code. This would further increase the chances <br />for parking and outside storage in the front yard setback. The applicant <br />has stated that they do not wish to install the curbing because it inter- <br />feres with plowing and snow storage efforts. In an effort to enhance <br />the site the applicant has provided two alternative landscape plans to <br />screen this area of the site: Ivy on the fence, or planting of techny <br />arborvitae (techny arborvitae is a dark green evergreen know for its <br />excellent screening ability). <br />STAFF SUMMARY <br />It is my opinion that the applicant has not demonstrated unique or <br />unusual circumstances or undue hardship to the extent that a variance <br />for a fence should be granted. Snow removal and storage is a problem <br />that every business in Minnesota must address. The large right-of-way <br />along Old Highway 8 might be grounds for a variance except that the <br />applicant's site is of sufficient size and shape to locate a fence <br />even with the building setback and not interfere with business operations. <br />It is my feeling that granting of the variance would compromise the use <br />of the area north of the building for possible future parking or storage.