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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 28, 20136 Rick Okada , Chowa Studio Architects, Inc., 2500 University Avenue West in St. Paul, commented that the lot at 1226 Ingerson Road was extremely narrow and had very little buildable area. He reviewed the proposed improvements for the property in detail with the Council. Councilmember Holden asked if the third floor could be reduced by 100 square feet. Mr. Okada explained the third floor addition was already smaller than the second floor foot print. He then reviewed the dimensions of the third floor addition. He reported that the home had no basement due to the high water table. He reported that the homeowners were looking to add more livable space above grade. Councilmember Werner questioned how long the applicants have owned the home. Mr. Okada stated the applicants have owned this home for the past 20 years. Councilmember Holden inquired how the request met the character of the neighborhood. City Planner Streff commented the property is residential and meets the zoning criteria. He reported that the surrounding homes were much larger than the home at 1226 Ingerson Road. Discussion ensued regarding the trees and screening of the property. Mayor Grant requested information from staff on the distance the deck was from the property line. City Planner Streff indicated the proposed deck addition would be approximately two feet from the property line at its closest point. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that if the City required additional right-of-way along Ingerson Court, the house would only be 10 feet from the roadway. Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with this Planning Case. Councilmember McClung stated he was prepared to act on the Planning Case this evening; however, he understood if the Council wanted to hold off until the next Council meeting. Mayor Grant was also comfortable making a decision on this item. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of tabling action on the Planning Case. Councilmember Werner was willing to move forward on the matter. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to Approve Planning Case #13-016 for two (2) variances to allow the proposed construction project located at 1226 Ingerson Road, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the conditions in the October 28, 2013, Report to the City Council.