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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – October 7, 2020 6 Commissioner Weber questioned if the variance were approved, could the City require the applicant to complete the green proposals for the shed. Associate Planner Hartmann reported this could be made a condition for approval, but noted this was not required per City Code requirements. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated this condition could read: The green roof shall be maintained and kept in good condition. Scott Black, 1545 Arden Place, stated he has known the Samuelson’s for the past five years. He explained he supported the proposed the requested shed. He noted many of the homes in Arden Hills were reaching an age where updating and deferred maintenance was a priority. He commented the Samuelson’s have put a great deal of money into their property. He indicated the proposed storage shed would replace the dilapidated structure that was in its place. He explained the shed would not impact the shoreline in any way and fits with the design of other sheds on the lake. He encouraged the Commission to support this variance request. Steve Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, indicated he has lived in his home for the past 35 years. He discussed the structure that was in place previously, noting there were two decks in place with no real storage. He feared the City has created a limitation on the size of these structures. He understood the requested size of this structure would allow the homeowner to securely store paddle boards. However, he recommended the shed be no more than 64 square feet in size. He anticipated if the Commission were to allow this item to be approved, the City would be receiving a lot more requests. He stated concerning the trees, there has been a significant disruption on this lot already. He explained Mr. Samuelson was a great person, but he feared a terrible precedent would be set if this variance were approved. Mr. Samuelson commented he was working to preserve the property as much as possible. He hoped the green aspects of this project would be taken into consideration by the City. He indicated he liked the idea of having a structure down at the lake for security and storage purposes. He noted he has had trespassers in his yard and some theft. He explained the requested shed would provide him some peace of mind. Michael Studer, 1556 Arden Place, indicated he moved into the neighborhood in May. He stated he understood the concerns and need to maintain the shoreline. However, if the structure would be designed and built with green specifications, he believed the City should support the request. He reported Kai Samuelson has been an active member in the community and he supported the request. Chair Gehrig closed the meeting to public comments at this time. Commissioner Subramanian commented other members in the community could request similar sheds if the City were to approve this variance. Commissioner Wicklund stated having a green roof on this structure would be a great building design function for this lake. He explained if this item were to move forward, he would like to DRAFT