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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 9, 2020 6 Commissioner Wicklund commented on variance requirements and the criteria to meet a variance. He stated the reasonable use requirements have been met by the applicant, along with the character of the neighborhood. He discussed the significant sloping that occurs on the applicant’s lot and how this was a unique circumstance. He reported if this variance were to pass it would be a great example of City staff and the Planning Commission working with the applicant given the fact City Code may be outdated. He noted the City Council would make the final determination regarding this request. Commissioner Jefferys asked if there were other storage sheds on the lake that were larger than 64 square feet. Associate Planner Hartmann stated if the variance were approved, this would be the largest shed on the lake. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported there were other larger accessory structures that were nonconforming. He noted these were permitted without current staff’s knowledge. Chair Gehrig opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. Chair Gehrig invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Steve Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, indicated he did not have a problem with the proposed size of the shed. He questioned if this were approved, if he would then be allowed to build a shed that would fit his 16 foot canoe. He indicated he would love to build a boathouse, but understood this was not allowed. He anticipated approval of this request would have a trickledown effect. He reported everyone on the lake has items that need to be stored and this should be taken into consideration by the City. He did not want the natural beauty of the lake taken away by having numerous buildings and sheds on the lakeshore. Terry Pernsteiner contractor for the applicant, commented on the larger structures located on the lake, one being a two-story air conditioned boathouse. Mr. Samuelson thanked the City for working with him on this variance request. He stated he has learned a lot through this process. He explained he appreciated all of the comments he has received from the City, the Planning Commission and his neighbors. He indicated he did not want to create a problematic precedent, but rather was trying to describe the unique characteristics of his lot. There being no comment Chair Gehrig closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Commissioner Jones stated the Planning Commission was not a rule making body. He reported the applicant came to the Commission in October and the request was tabled. He believed the request before the Commission was reasonable. He supported this request being forwarded to the City Council noting the Council will take into consideration additional requests may be made in the future if this item were approved. He encouraged the City Council to review City Code regarding the size of sheds and accessory structures for lakeshore properties.