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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MAY 26, 2020 8 9. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. Associate Planner Hartmann stated the Planning Commission recommended approval by a 4-2 vote of Planning Case 20-004 for a variance at 1741 Venus Avenue, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in the May 6, 2020 Report to the Planning Commission, as amended by the following conditions: 1. Prior to issuance of a Building Permit, engineering department staff shall review a revised landscaping plan to ensure no impacts to the right-of-way. 2. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. 3. The proposed building shall conform to all standards and regulations in the City Code. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the existing deck and how this compared to the proposed deck. Associate Planner Hartmann reviewed the new deck plans in comparison to the existing deck. Mayor Grant noted the new deck would be wider than the existing deck. He questioned how the walkway width would be changed with the new plans. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the existing walkway was 3.8 feet wide and the new walkway would be 12 feet wide. Councilmember Holden asked if the applicant was informed as to the City’s front porch standards. Associate Planner Hartmann indicated this information was discussed with the applicant. Councilmember Holden inquired if the applicant had a patio or deck on the back of the home. Associate Planner Hartmann stated the applicants had a patio on the back of the home. Mayor Grant questioned if applicant was aware of the fact the deck would cover the windows in the basement. Jennifer Granick 1741 Venus Avenue, explained the current deck covers three windows and noted the new deck would only cover two windows. She indicated the windows that were being covered were for the laundry room. Councilmember Scott asked if public safety (police, fire or medical) could respond to the home if the walkway were not in place. Ms. Granick stated without the walkway public safety would gain access to the house through the garage. She commented the straightest access to the home was across the bridge and into the front door.