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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 7, 2016 3 <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler stated the findings of fact for this variance request support a <br />recommendation for approval. If the Planning Commission chooses to make a recommendation <br />for denial, the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial. If <br />the Planning Commission recommends approval of this variance, staff recommends the <br />following six conditions: <br /> <br />1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the <br />conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City <br />Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City <br />Council. <br />2. A Grading and Erosion Control permit shall be required prior to the issuance of a <br />Building Permit. <br />3. A Building Permit shall be required prior to commencement of construction. <br />4. The accessory structure shall have an exterior finish that is compatible in appearance and <br />material used with the principal structure. <br />5. The structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. <br />6. The property owners shall provide 17.6 caliper inches of new tree plantings per the <br />submitted Tree Preservation Plan prior to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy <br />for the dwelling. Deciduous trees shall be a minimum of 2.5 caliper inches in size, and <br />coniferous trees a minimum of 6 feet in height. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this <br />matter: <br /> <br />1. Recommend Approval with Conditions <br />2. Recommend Approval as Submitted. <br />3. Recommend Denial <br />4. Table <br /> <br />Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson asked how the height of the structure was measured. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler described how the Zoning Code requires the height of structures to be <br />measured. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones questioned if the house to the east sat lower and the house to the west sat <br />higher than the subject property. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler requested that the applicant address this question. <br /> <br />Laura Larson, 1500 Arden Place, thanked the Commission for their time. She reported the <br />house at 1492 Arden Place was higher than her home and the home at 1516 Arden Place was also <br />higher than her home. She indicated her home was lower than both adjacent homes. She <br />provided further comment on the steep grade in her driveway. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones expressed concern with how water runoff would be managed for the new <br />home.