07-25-16-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 27, 2016 4 Councilmember Holden questioned if the Jittilas were aware of the fact their home was pushed back on the lot when they purchased the property. Mrs. Jittila stated she had lobbied to have the home moved. She indicated all of the other homes in her neighborhood had 40 feet in front. Mr. Jittila commented he really did not know until the stakes were placed on his property. This led him and his wife to lobby to have the home moved. Councilmember Holden reported she did not support the proposed variance. She believed the variance would change the neighborhood. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to deny Planning Case 16-015 for a rear yard setback Variance at 1494 Keithson Drive, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans. Mr. Jittila was surprised by the fact the Council did not see the uniqueness of his property. He discussed the spirit of the City’s variance regulations. It was his opinion that the proposed deck and three season porch would not impact his neighbors given the amount of space between him and the adjacent structures. He expressed frustration with the fact that the Council was proposing to deny his request. Mayor Grant understood the home on this property was pushed back due to the wetland. He questioned if the neighboring properties would be able to see a three-foot difference on the three season porch setback. For this reason, he supported the variance and believed it was warranted. Councilmember Wicklund agreed. He stated he walked around this property and found the site to be very unique given the location of the home. He supported the three-foot six-inch variance. Councilmember Holden believed the Mayor was ill-advised to assume that the neighboring properties would not be impacted by the encroachment. She stated she visited the property prior to this meeting and was surprised by the lack of vegetation on the side yard. It was her opinion the proposed deck and three season porch would change the neighborhood. In addition, she did not believe this was a unique lot and stated the homeowners were fully aware of the home location when the built. Mayor Grant discussed the orientation of the neighboring townhouse. He commented the door on the west side would view the three season porch. However, there was a fair amount of distance between the two properties. He stated he would be willing to support the three-foot variance to allow homeowners to have a three season porch that was usable. Councilmember McClung indicated he visited the site and walked the trail in this neighborhood frequently. He was concerned with the placement of the house but understood the wetland had impacted this. He did not believe the property was unique enough for him to offer his support to the variance. In addition, he was concerned with how close the encroaching three season porch would be to the adjacent trail. He wished the initial placement of the house had differed.