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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 10, 2018 7 Commissioner Bartel stated he would be fine looking at a variance to extend the existing garage by 12 feet keeping it under the 728 square feet noting it would have to have the same building materials and shingles. He commented that anything other than that had too many moving parts. For this reason, he recommended denial of the variance request. Commissioner Bartel moved and Commissioner Gehrig seconded a motion to recommend denial of Planning Case 17-027 for two variances at 3415 Lake Johanna Boulevard, based on the findings of fact: 1. The variance would alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Jones stated he could support the combining of the two buildings so long as the exterior of the buildings were kept in harmony with the home. Commissioner Gehrig commented the original request was overreaching. For this reason, he supported the motion. He wanted to see the variances clearly identified versus trying to pass this request through. Commissioner Bartel did not believe it was the Planning Commission’s role to redesign this project after the fact. He did not want residents rewarded with variances when they acted against City Code. Chair Thompson called the question. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Planning Case 17-028; Site Plan Review – 1504 Edgewater Avenue – No Public Hearing Required City Planner Bachler stated the applicant has requested a Site Plan Review in order to keep an existing 8-foot by 8-foot, or 64 square foot, accessory storage shed recently installed at 1504 Edgewater Avenue. The City does not require property owners to obtain a permit for accessory structures less than 120 square feet in size and no permit was issued for the shed. The shed is located in front of the single-family dwelling on the property between Edgewater Avenue and the home. The shed is setback approximately 42 feet from the front property line along Edgewater Avenue and 55 feet from the secondary front property line on Ridgewood Road. The Zoning Code prohibits the placement of accessory structures on non-lakeshore lots between a public street and a dwelling. City Planner Bachler indicated the shed is currently used to store a riding lawnmower, snow blower, and other yard tools. The applicant notes that the one-stall garage does not provide adequate space to store this equipment and that the shed was placed in the front yard due to a steep slope along the eastern and southern sides of the property that presents safety concerns for using a riding lawnmower. Site Data Land Use Plan: Low Density Residential