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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 4, 2014 5 the garage to meet the needs of his family on this lake lot. He believed the conditions recommended by staff were too restrictive. He discussed the current encroachment of the garage was nine feet and four inches and he explained he was not asking to encroach further to the west property line. He reported he would be working with the same contractor that was used to build the house. Commissioner Jones asked if the power pole would be moved. Mr. Meyers stated that Xcel Energy would be moving the transmission pole to the other side of the garage. Commissioner Thompson questioned what options were available to build a structure that would be in conformance with City setbacks and asked why this was not pursued. Mr. Meyers explained that after discussions with staff, it was determined that the rear yard (Fairview Avenue) setback for an accessory structure was 30 feet. He commented this setback would make a new garage impractical. He stated with a 10 foot setback a garage would be more feasible, but would require 250 cubic feet of fill and would be located on a drainage field. Commissioner Thompson inquired if the drainage field had been reviewed by staff. City Planner Streff stated the Assistant City Engineer had reviewed the request and determined the drainage would not be affected with the current proposal. However, staff did not provide comment on how a different placement of the garage would impact the property. Chair Larson questioned if the variance were to be approved, if the new garage would become a conforming use. City Planner Streff indicated the garage would be nonconforming in terms of setbacks, but would be permitted due to the variance. Chair Larson stated he was not typically in favor of expanding nonconforming uses; however, he believed turning the garage made sense. Commissioner Thompson commented she was torn by this request. She stated setbacks were established for a reason. She then discussed the unique aspects of this lot noting it had two front yard setbacks and had topography issues to deal with. She explained that by turning the garage, the structure would look better on the lot. Commissioner Zimmerman concurred with Chair Larson regarding the expansion of nonconforming uses. He struggled with approving the expansion, but was supportive of the proposed reorientation of the garage. Commissioner Bartel stated the existing garage was an eyesore, but he did not believe the increased garage size was necessary. Commissioner Thompson understood that two car garages were normal, but she did not believe that a three car garage was a requirement.