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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — NOVEMBER 28, 2022 N. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-054 and approve Planning Case 22-019 for a Variance as requested at 3588 Ridgewood Road, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, and the conditions in the November 28, 2022, Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden asked if a smaller home were built on the lot, would this reduce the number of variance requests, except for the driveway access. Community Development Director Jagoe stated if the variances were approved as requested by the applicant, with the front yard setback and driveway access and the size of the house was reduced, they would not be able to go any closer to Ridgewood Road or Snelling Avenue than the variances granted. She clarified that without the variances being granted the house size would have to be reduced in order to fit within the building envelope. Councilmember Holden requested staff show photos of the property from Ridgewood Road. She stated again that she believed it would be a shame to have to remove the retaining wall and trees from Ridgewood Road in order to build the proposed home. She explained she supported the property being accessed from Snelling Avenue in order to save the retaining wall and buffer that was already in place. Mayor Grant questioned what the impervious coverage would be on this lot. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the impervious coverage would be 23% with the proposed house footprint and driveway. Councilmember Holden supported all of the construction traffic accessing the site from Snelling Avenue in order to protect the trees and retaining wall along Ridgewood Road. She asked how many trees would be removed from the lot. Community Development Director Jagoe estimated eight trees would be removed from the property for the building site and driveway. Mayor Grant asked how the subject property would connect into City water and sewer. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the property would connect into City water and sewer from Ridgewood Road and the contractor would be staying away from the retaining wall. Owen Norcutt, Norcutt Homes, introduced himself to the Council and stated he was a contractor working with the applicant. He reported the property would be tied into City water and sewer from Ridgewood Road and noted the retaining wall would not be impacted. Councilmember Holden stated she did not believe a smaller house would fit into the character of the neighborhood. In addition, she appreciated the fact that the retaining wall would be maintained by the applicant. She explained she would be supporting the variances as requested.