06-04-14 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 4, 2014 6 Commissioner Thompson understood that two car garages were normal, but she did not believe that a three car garage was a requirement. Commissioner Holewa understood why the homeowners wanted to replace the garage; however, he did not support all three variances. He questioned if the Commission should table action to allow the applicant to reconsider his request, or make a motion for denial. Chair Larson stated the expansion of a nonconforming use was a concern for the Commission. He suggested the owner provide comment on why the garage needed to be expanded. Mr. Meyers believed that the proposed garage would allow him reasonable use of his property. He stated the garage would cost him $50,000 to reconstruct and he wanted the garage to become reasonably useful. He commented that Condition 2 should be revised to reflect that the setbacks would be changed. He reported that he was not interested in building a garage if he had to follow these conditions, as one stall of the garage would be unusable. Mr. Meyers questioned whether the Commission would be supportive of a plan to rebuild the garage so as not to encroach further into the rear and side setbacks, but rather expand the garage towards the house. Chair Larson believed the consensus of the Commission was to not expand a nonconforming use. He asked if Mr. Meyers was willing to reconsider his request. Mr. Meyers was willing to reconsider his garage expansion. Chair Larson questioned how the Commission would like to proceed with this variance request. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the easiest solution would be to rebuild the existing garage on the current footprint. Commissioner Bartel feared that tabling action on this may not allow for this matter to be resolved as the applicants were hoping for a garage larger than 22’ x 22’. Chair Larson stated tabling the matter would allow Mr. Meyers to continue with the request without making Mr. Meyers reapply for a variance. Commissioner Holewa was in favor of the applicant rebuilding on the existing footprint. He indicated he could go either way on this request but noted he would support the matter being tabled. Commissioner Bartel recommended the request be tabled. Commissioner Jones stated this was a unique lot and discussed the number of homes that have been rebuilt along this street. City Planner Streff discussed the setbacks as determined by the City for through-lots. Staff believed that a 40 foot setback was appropriate for the lakeside and front of the home. It was determined that a 30 foot setback was appropriate for the rear yard along Fairview Avenue.