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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 8, 2016 4 requesting a variance. It was his hope to have a three-season porch attached to the house and not simply a deck. Chair Thompson questioned if Mr. Jytyla had worked with Pulte Homes when the home was built. Mr. Jytyla indicated he did not have a lot of input with Pulte Homes on where the dwelling would be located. He asked for the home to be moved forward but his request was not granted. He explained he moved to this neighborhood because he loved the area and the school district. He understood there were restrictions on the lot, but had hoped that the City would allow for a variance of 42 inches given the fact he would not be vastly encroaching on his neighbors. Chair Thompson inquired if Mr. Jytyla had spoken to his neighbors regarding the proposed deck and porch. She noted the City had received objections from two property owners behind Mr. Jytyla’s property. Mr. Jytyla commented he had spoken to a number of his neighbors about the project and several were willing to attend this evening in support of the project. Commissioner Jones asked if the porch would be glass or screen. Mr. Jytyla explained the porch would have glass that could be raised over the screens. He reported the screen porch would have a fireplace in order for it to be used later in the fall. Commissioner Lambeth questioned if the home was purchased on spec or if it was purchased to be built. He asked if Pulte Homes disclosed the fact that the rear property line had a restriction. Mr. Jytyla reported he purchased the home to be built from Pulte Homes. He indicated the home came with no options and was basically bought on spec. He stated Pulte had made him aware of the setback constraints, but he was uncertain as to the specifics and conducted more research on this topic on his own. Commissioner Hames asked if this request shed any light on the City Code regarding the differences between deck and porch setbacks. Senior Planner Bachler described the differences between deck and porch rear yard setback requirements. He noted that in the R-1 District, decks can encroach up to six feet into the rear yard setback, but must not be closer than six feet from a property line. Commissioner Hames discussed the importance of outdoor living space. She believed that the homeowner was bound by the home location and that this was not of his doing. It was her opinion that the homeowner was being penalized for something that was out of his control. Commissioner Lambeth questioned if the porch would be constructed on piers. Senior Planner Bachler reported this was the case.