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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 10, 2018 5 Richard Wentzel, 1931 Noble Road, stated he opposed the variance request. He did not believe this building belonged on this lot. He explained the property owner knew he had a narrow lot when he purchased it. He encouraged the applicant to clean his garage if he would like to store a vehicle in it. He stated he lived in a nice neighborhood and he wanted things to remain that way. Gary Wahlstrom, 1831 Noble Road, commented he had spoken with staff prior to the meeting regarding his concerns with the variance request. He stated if this was going to be approved that the garage should be one structure with a continual roofline, matching exterior details, siding and asphalt shingles. He believed this was critical in order to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. He presented staff with a document with signatures from many of his neighbors that shared his same concerns and supported his recommendations. City Planner Bachler read the document from Mr. Wahlstrom in full for the record and passed the document to the Planning Commission. He noted the document was signed by 11 property owners. Commissioner Bartel stated he had a hard time with this request knowing that it would be a hardship to remove this structure from the lot. He explained he could not understand why the applicant did not request a variance from the City prior to moving this structure onto his property. He believed it was strange this request had reached this point, because the City would have never approved the placement of this structure in its current location. In addition, he noted the garage size was too large and could set a precedent for the City. Commissioner Lambeth stated after reading through the documents for this case, he understood the new garage would be used for vehicles and the existing garage would be used for a woodshop. He explained he would like to see the structures combined, under one roof. He insisted that the new structure have a foundation when receiving a building permit. Commissioner Jones requested further information on how the applicant could work to meet the City’s accessory structure space requirements. City Planner Bachler noted the City does have a review process for accessory structures exceeding 728 square feet. He stated the Planning Commission could recommend the structures be combined. Commissioner Bartel reported the applicant would still require a variance from the side yard setbacks. It was his opinion the applicant was already requesting a lot of variances. Commissioner Jones noted this was an odd shaped lot but stated he did not want to add two full sized garages to this space. Commissioner Gehrig stated he agreed this was a unique lot with unique circumstances. However, he did not believe the additional garage structure was keeping in harmony with the neighborhood. He indicated the neighbors were clearly concerned and there were issues with the structures façade and foundation that had to be addressed.