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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 8, 2011 8 3.B. Planning Case 11-010; Zoning Code Amendment regarding Detached Garages; City of Arden Hills – Public Hearing (continued) City Planner Beekman stated current regulations do not allow detached garages to be located between the home and the street, yet lakeshore lots tend to be narrower and deeper than non-riparian lots, and it is often not practical to add garage and storage space in the side yard of these properties. Furthermore, the definition of “front yard” often differs between the homeowners, who see the lakeside as their front yards, and the City, which views the street-side of the home as the front yard. She reviewed the language changes being proposed that would allow detached garages in the front yard of lakeshore lots. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Chair Larson asked if this amendment would reduce the number of variance requests in the City. City Planner Beekman stated the number of requests will decrease but lakeside lots are narrow and the 40-foot setback is significant for these homes. They would still need to request a variance if they are not meeting the setbacks. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Mr. David Freed, 3136 Hamline Avenue, Arden Hills, stated he supports the amendment because he feels having the garages detached and not in front of the lake improves aesthetics and safety. Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Commissioner Hames moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 11-010 to amend Section 1325.01 Subd 3 to permit the construction of detached garages in the front yards of lakefront lots under certain circumstances as presented in the June 8, 2011 Planning Case Report. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Planning Case 11-012; Zoning Code Amendment regarding Section 1355; City of Arden Hills – Public Hearing City Planner Beekman stated on May 6, 2011, the Governor signed into law new legislation that revises the criteria City’s must use when reviewing variance requests. In order to remain in compliance with State Statutes, the City must update its Zoning Code to incorporate the revised variance regulations. As part of this update, Staff is recommending that Section 1325.03 Subd.3.C. be omitted from the Zoning Cod, as it pertains to specific requirements for height variances, which are no longer necessary