75A - PH - EIR -1584 E SANTA CLARA AVE

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Final EIR No. 2011 -01, VA No. 2012 -04 & VTTM No. 2012 -02 February 10, 2014 Page 8 • That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public or surrounding property. • That the granting of the variance will not adversely affect the General Plan. If these findings can be made, then it is appropriate to grant the variance. Conversely, the inability to make these findings would result in a denial. Using this information, staff has prepared the following analysis, which forms the basis for the recommendation contained in this report. Variance for the Sexlinger Farmhouse The applicant is requesting a variance that will allow the Sexlinger Farmhouse to remain at its current location. Specifically, a variance from Section 41 -234 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC), which requires a front yard setback of 20 feet, from Section 41- 239(g), which requires the garage to be a minimum of five feet from the residence, and from Section 41- 41- 1320(b), which requires the residence to provide a two -car garage, are needed. Staff is supportive of the request as the variances will allow the historically designated Sexlinger Farmhouse to remain in its historic setting and context, which are critical components of historic preservation. The property will be allowed to be used as it was historically, with the historic character of the property retained and preserved. Further, by leaving the residence and garage in place, the removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize the property will be avoided. In analyzing the variance request, staff must be able to show that findings can be made that support the criteria listed above. The project site has a special circumstance related to its size, shape and location. The approval of the variance for the Sexlinger Farmhouse will result in the residence and garage retaining and preserving the historic character of the property. Further, the approval of the variance will avoid the removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. Therefore, applying the strict letter of the Code would, in this particular case, deprive the subject property of privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and purpose of the provisions of this chapter. The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights. Compliance with the setback, separation and parking standards would result in the loss of a resource that is listed on the City's Register of Historical Properties as the structure would have to be relocated. The granting of the variance will preserve the property owners right to develop the property with a use that is allowed by right in the R -1 zoning district and is consistent with the general plan. The new use will allow the development of a vacant property which will preserve the property owner's right to develop their property. 75A -12