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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 6, 2020 5 Mr. Peterson explained there was a very small amount of finished square footage on the entry level which would act as an entry/mudroom and houses stairs to go up to the main level, along with a mechanical room. Commissioner Vijums asked how basements that don’t meet minimum ceiling height was considered within the FAR requirements. Associate Planner Hartmann discussed the Minnesota State Building Code Requirements. He reported the minimum was seven feet. Commissioner Vijums questioned if the crawl space was less than seven feet. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated according to the applicant this was correct. Commissioner Vijums inquired where the therapy room would be located. Mr. Peterson indicated the occupational therapy room would be located either above the garage or in the lower level. He stated his clients have yet to make this decision. It was noted the exterior of the building would not change if this space were used for occupational therapy. Chair Gehrig reported this Planning Case does not require a Public Hearing. However, he opened the meeting for public comments. Steven Campbell, 3248 Sandeen Road, stated he lives adjacent to the property in question. He noted he submitted a letter on behalf of the residents in the neighborhood that have concerns about the property. He explained he attended the previous Planning Commission meetings. He indicated this was a unique lot that was non-conforming. He stated he had concerns with how the FAR was being calculated. He expressed concern with the fact he has not been given information from the City when it has been requested. He reported the proposed home was much too large for the size of the property and he recommended the Planning Commission deny the variance request. Jim Day, 3242 Sandeen Road, stated he lived south of the property in question. He discussed State Code and reported in order for basement space to not be counted as livable it had to be under six feet in height. He believed the square footage on the proposed home was too high. He was of the opinion a variance was not justified simply because the applicant had not changed the envelope of the home. He indicated the proposed home would be three stories from the street and reported all other homes on Sandeen Road were one or two stories. He stated the proposed home would be inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood. He recommended the Planning Commission deny the variance request. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he was listening to the meeting as an alternate. Richard Priore, applicant, explained the house as presented meet all City Code requirements. He indicated he could build this home tomorrow without needing a variance. However, because he was requesting additional space for a therapy room, he needed to come before the Planning Commission. He questioned why the neighbors were struggling with the additional space given