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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 6, 2020 10 topography of property and noted some of the new deck space would be used as a walkway into the home, which would be unusable space. She explained the deck would be used to visit with neighbors while kids were playing, which was consistent with the feel of the neighborhood. Chair Gehrig asked if the topography of this property was more traditional with a deck in the front, how far the deck could extend into the front yard setback. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated per City Ordinance, decks and covered porches may extend six feet into the front and rear setback. Commissioner Lambeth requested further information on how the deck was supported and questioned what portions of the deck were failing. Mr. Tourdot reported the main portion of the deck that was failing was the bridge. He stated the bridge was canted to one side and the 2’x4’s on the walkway were becoming soft. He explained the existing deck structure could not be rebuilt as it was because it was cantilevered out from the house. He commented further about how the deck was supported by joists that were cantilevered out from the house, four feet on center. He discussed how construction of decks had changed in the past 50 years. Commissioner Lambeth reported 2’x4’s was not the typical material used for decks. He asked what the applicants would be using for deck material. Mr. Tourdot indicated he would be using recycled decking material. Commissioner Lambeth questioned what would happen to the cantilevered supports. Mr. Tourdot explained this would be addressed during the building permit phase but he anticipated a ledger would have to be installed in order to support the deck, along with posts and footings to support the joists. Commissioner Lambeth inquired what the scope of work would be for this project. Mr. Tourdot stated he was proposing to remove the existing deck and to build a new deck in the the front of his home. Chair Gehrig commented the variance request before the Commission was for the size of the structure. He reported the scope of the building materials was not under consideration and would be reviewed by staff through the building permit process. Commissioner Lambeth indicated what he was trying to get at was that the applicant was proposing to build a maintenance free deck that would last for some time into the future. Commissioner Vijums explained he was constructing a deck at his cabin. He commented further on the building requirements and anticipated the proposed deck would last 50+ years. Commissioner Jones discussed the cantilevered decks he had built and stated he supported the project as proposed.