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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 24, 2020 5 7. Decks, uncovered porches, ramps, and steps generally may extend six (6) feet into required setbacks but in no case shall these encroachments be less than six (6) feet from any lot line. 8. The proposed deck on the Subject Property would otherwise conform to all other requirements and standards of the R-2 district and Shoreland Management Regulations. 9. The proposed development would not encroach on any flood plains, wetlands, or easements. 10. A variance shall be granted if the Applicant meets all three factors of the statutory test for practical difficulties. Associate Planner Hartmann explained the Planning Commission recommended approval by a 5-0 vote of Planning Case 19-020 for a Variance at 3159 Shoreline Lane, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in the February 5, 2020 Report to the Planning Commission, as amended by the following conditions: 1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. 2. The proposed building shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City Code. Councilmember Holden requested further information from staff regarding the written comments received from the public. Associate Planner Hartmann stated staff received four different comments from the public. He indicated the comments came from residents living within the notification radius. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the four comments received by staff were not in support of the Variance request. Mayor Grant stated he viewed the property from one of the neighbor’s yard. He indicated he was struck by the Planning Commission’s recommendation given the fact other deck expansion variances were denied by the City. Councilmember McClung commented while the City may have received four letters not in support of the request, he reported he received five emails from individuals that did not support the request. He noted for the record this property had other infractions or code violations. Councilmember Scott questioned if a permit was required for demolition work on the existing deck. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated a demo permit would be required. Councilmember Scott stated it was his understanding the proposed deck would encroach 5 ½ feet into the high water level. He noted the last variance from the high water level ordinance the City considered was back in 1995. He reported his big concern as the fact that the City had not heard from the watershed district. He commented he feared how climate change would continue to