03-08-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 7, 2022 4 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Wicklund asked who owned the land along the rear property line. Community Development Director Jagoe stated this land was owned by US Fish and Wildlife Services. Commissioner Wicklund questioned vehicles were being parked on the neighbor’s property. Community Development Director Jagoe deferred this question to the applicant. Chair Vijums commented the right of way has been reduced over time because of the expansion of Highway 96, which was an unfair constraint on this property. He inquired if the architect considered moving the new structure a little closer to the lakefront in order to satisfy City Code. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the applicant had considered other possible locations on the property, but after trying to save as many significant trees as possible, the proposed house placement was presented to staff. Katie Bach, 1861 Highway 96 West, reported she went through a number of different iterations with her architect when considering the placement of the house and garage on this lot. She discussed how the ordinary highwater setback was set based on her neighbors setback. She noted the placement and angle of the garage was difficult, due to the location of mature oaks and maples. Chair Vijums questioned if the house could be shifted south or southwest. Ms. Bach stated if the house was pushed south, this would cause concern with the ordinary highwater setback relative to the neighbors setback and to the west there was a mature maple she was trying to save. Chair Vijums indicated this was a non-conforming lot that has been eroded by Highway 96 easements and encroachments, which made it difficult to place a home. He was of the opinion the proposed home was well placed on the lot and noted only a small portion of the garage was encroaching within the setbacks. Commissioner Wicklund moved and Commissioner Collins seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 22-022 for a Variance at 1861 Highway 96 West based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, a s amended by the conditions in the December 7, 2022, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). B. Planning Case 22-023; 3565 Pine Tree Drive – PUD Amendment – Public Hearing Required