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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 6, 2019 10 Vice Chair Jones commented part of the concern with the proposed plans was that the home was not designed. He encouraged the owners to recognize the fact that they have a 9,400 square foot lot and not an 11,000 square foot lot. Commissioner Wicklund questioned how the Commission wanted to proceed. He reported he would prefer the item proceed with a fourth condition. This condition would read: The proposed FAR ratio shall not exceed 33% for the 9,400 square foot lot. He stated this would address the neighbor’s concerns. Vice Chair Jones indicated he could support this condition. Commissioner Vijums commented his concerns with the request were with the FAR ratio. He supported the property having a better design for this unique lot before the item being approved by the Commission. Vice Chair Jones asked what the next step would be if this item were to go forward to the City Council. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported if the item were approved by the City Council the applicant would have to submit plans for building permit consideration. He stated the Commission could place conditions on this request in order to move the item forward. Mr. Day suggested a condition be drafted to ensure the home appears to be a two-story structure from the street. He indicated he was not trying to keep this family out of the neighborhood but rather wanted to keep the neighborhood looking consistent. He recommended the item be tabled to allow for the plans to be reworked. Commissioner Vijums asked if the house should be reworked before the Commission takes action on this item. Ms. Kell commented the site did have lot coverage considerations. She noted if the home were made wider and if it was pushed closer to the lake, this could be detrimental to the lake. Mr. Campbell reiterated that the proposed home was too large for the lot. He recommended a two-story house be built to fit into the neighborhood. Commissioner Wicklund moved a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 19-015 for a Variance at 3244 Sandeen Road, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the three (3) conditions in the November 6, 2019, report to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Subramanian stated this was a unique situation because the lot size was non- conforming. He explained this led the house to being viewed as a three-story due to the elevation. He understood the property owners had to enjoy the house they were going to build and the neighbors had to live with it. He indicated this lot may not be suitable for the proposed home.