06-24-2004 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

Browse Search

• • FACTS RELEVANT TO THIS MATTER: Currently my home has a detached garage with the approximate dimensions of 30' wide by 29' deep. This garage is in need of repairs, consisting of a new roof and siding. Due to the unusual design, the garage sits below the vegetation line, which causes the siding to rot. For successful and lasting repairs it would be necessary to.raise the garage, either by raising the slab or lifting the garage and pouring a new slab. With these issues, I am considering simply removing the gazage and replacing it with a metal building (steel frame). - Under ARTICLE V, DIVISION 2 of the City of LaPorte's Code or Ordinance I am restricted to 1000 sq. ft. I am requesting a variance to the "squaze foot" limitation to exceed this by 500 sq. ft. (30' wide by 50' deep.) The attached copy of a survey demonstrates the size and location. - Currently I own a recreational vehicle which I park in open view and exposed to weather and other environmental conditions. The described garage will allow me to park this vehicle in an enclosed area protecting it from these conditions, thereby helping retain its value from deterioration. The additional area will allow me to keep my "family" vehicle in the garage where it will also be protected from the listed conditions. As with most "common folks" I have other items such as lawn mowers, hand tools, air compressor and other small items necessary to maintain my home, vehicles and such which I would keep secured in this gazage. With the limit of 1000 sq. ft., I would be extremely limited to the "use" of the garage. The extra 500 sq. ft. will allow me to maintain my vehicles; store those listed items and protect my investment in the recreational vehicle. If forced to relocate this garage to the required "lot Line" I would be forced to remove two large trees that offer my home and back yazd area with shade. TYPE OF RELIEF BEING SOUGHT: I am requesting a variance in the limit on the size of the garage.. Section i06-741 (e) 1, limits the square footage to 1000 sq. ft. I request a variance to allow a detached gazage to be built with 1500 sq. $. Due to Section 106-741 (2) being vague and addressing Large Lo. t Residential Only, I will also submit a request for a variance on the location from the side lot line and the distance required from another structure. I request a variance to build with the restriction imposed under section 106-721 (b) as far as distance from lot lines and other structures. ~. T~ GROUNDS FOR THE REQUEST: I am confident that the grounds for the requested variances would not be contrary to public interests. The literal enforcement of the listed ordinace would put an unnecessary hardship because of the limit azea I have to build this gazage and its design and purpose of use. I do not feel that a variance, as requested, would in any way violate the intent of this specific ordinace.