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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 12 City Planner Streff estimated that the driveway would come out an additional three or four feet, which would make the driveway 18 feet from the lot line. Mayor Grant asked if an expanded driveway could go to the lot line. City Planner Streff stated that this was the case. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the slope of the property and how the additional impervious driveway surface would flood the adjacent trail. She suggested that the garage be shifted 90 degrees to lessen the encroachment on the setback. Councilmember Holden agreed that the grade of the property was concerning. City Planner Streff commented that the Assistant City Engineer has reviewed the request and that there were no concerns that the new garage and driveway would flood the trail segment. Councilmember Holmes inquired why the requested driveway was so large. City Planner Streff deferred this question to the applicant. Councilmember McClung appreciated the fact that the applicant addressed the Council's concerns. He agreed that the driveway was quite large; however, after reviewing City Code, he understood that the driveway could be even larger than what was requested. He supported the revised plans as submitted by the applicant. Councilmember Holden believed that the City property and trail should be protected. She did not believe that the homeowner should be allowed to encroach into the setback. Councilmember Werner stated that the applicant has reduced the encroachment with the new proposal and he supported the request. Mayor Grant explained that he could support the request as well. MOTION: Councilmember Werner moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 14-014 for a variance at 1850 Venus Avenue to encroach eighteen (18) feet into the secondary front yard setback in order to construct a twenty-six (26) foot by thirty (30) foot garage addition, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the seven (7) conditions in the June 30, 2014, Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holmes did not support the request. It was her opinion that the driveway was too large. Mayor Grant questioned the distance from the garage to the trail. City Planner Streff estimated that the distance from the corner of the garage to the trail would be 42 feet.