05-04-22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 4, 2022 4 City Planner Jagoe indicated the R-3 zoning district requires lots to be at least 11,000 square feet. Further discussion ensued regarding the flexibility that was granted within the Hunters Park PUD when it was granted. Commissioner Collins indicated his only concern with this request was with the floor area ratio (FAR). City Planner Jagoe reviewed the FAR for the four variances that were previously approved for this development. Commissioner Jefferys stated the challenges of applying the City’s standards are difficult for this request. She asked if there were any other developments like this in Arden Hills. City Planner Jagoe indicated there were other residential projects that have utilized the PUD process. Chair Vijums asked when the other four variances were approved within this development. City Planner Jagoe stated the variances were approved in 1986, 1997, 2009 and 2012. Chair Vijums questioned what the structure to structure setback was referring to for this application. City Planner Jagoe reported this was not in reference to a zoning code setback requirement, but this was mentioned as a consideration discussed in the original PUD for the review of flexibilities granted. In this case, the applicant would be maintaining the 18 feet from the adjacent structure. Chair Vijums read a prepared statement with his thoughts for this planning case. He explained after reading through this case his initial thoughts were to deny or table the request. He stated he was troubled by the alternative set of regulations within the Hunter’s Park development that supersedes the City’s underlying zoning regulations. He indicated he did not understand the “flexibility” that was approved for this neighborhood. While he understood four variances were approved previously, he believed the Commission should not be forced into approving all variance requests. He was of the opinion that the homeowners purchasing lots within Hunters Park should be made aware of the fact their lots were non-conforming and he wanted to understand if there were practical difficulties with these lots. He reported in the past the Commission has adhered to City standards and he did not believe it was fair that this neighborhood did not have to. Bill Guelker, 1152 Benton Way, thanked the Commission for hearing his request. He explained he no idea how complicated variance requests were and he thanked staff for all of their assistance. He reported he has lived in Arden Hills for the past 38 years and he has lived in the Hunters Park addition for this entire time. He noted he has served as the president of the Hunters Park Association over the years. He explained the land behind Hunter’s Park was owned by Bethel University and Crepeau Park. He commented he did not believe his variance request would lead to numerous other requests. He discussed the proposed addition and noted he was hoping to add a 14’ by 14’ dining room onto the house to meet the growing needs of his family.