12-07-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 9, 2022 9 Commissioner Jefferys stated these were all good points, but noted she would not be able to support the variances as requested. Commissioner Wicklund indicated he would also vote to deny the variance given the fact the setbacks requested were significant. Chair Vijums commented he would also be voting to deny the variance because the requests were too significant for the lot. Community Development Director Jagoe clarified the City would be required to issue a variance for the non-conforming lot depth component in order for any future development on the lot to occur. She explained the Commission could make two motions on this Planning Case in order to separate the non-conforming lot depth from the setback/driveway access variances. Commissioner Blilie reported the City sold this lot for residential developmental purposes. She believed it would be outrageous to sell the lot without approving the lot depth variance. Commissioner Weber stated the reason this lot was sold was because it was excess property of the City that did not have a designated use. Community Development Director Jagoe stated the City Council was willing to sell the lot after being approached by a prospective buyer. She explained the Council completed a title report and found there were no future park purposes, encumbrances or deed restrictions, which then led the Council’s decision to sell the land. The Planning Commission as part of the process for disposal of city land also had approved last year that the potential sale would be in compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Holmes clarified for the record, when the City sold this land the listing stated a variance would be granted for the non-conforming lot depth. She stated development could not occur on this lot without approval of a lot depth variance. Chair Vijums recommended the Commission break up the action for this Planning Case into two separate motions. The first motion would be for the non-conforming lot depth variance and the second would be for the setback/driveway access variances. Commissioner Collins questioned why the Commission had to take action on the non- conforming lot variance when it was assumed this would be approved by the City Council. Chair Vijums stated the Commission had to make a recommendation to the City Council on this Planning Case for the requested variances. Commissioner Collins moved and Commissioner Blilie seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 22-019 for the Variance at 3588 Ridgewood Road on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the thirteen (13) conditions in the November 9, 2022, report to the Planning Commission. The motion failed 3-4 (Commissioners Jefferys, Weber, Wicklund and Chair Vijums opposed).