05-03-23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 3, 2023 7 Commissioner Bjorklund stated he supported the request being denied because the applicants plans were not clear, but were speculative with respect to the land area needed for business, commercial visitation numbers, required or necessary screening and the possibilities for expansion in the future and the fact this business would not be keeping in line with the residential character of the neighborhood. Chair Vijums suggested action on this item be tabled. Chair Vijums moved and Commissioner Wicklund seconded a motion to table action on Planning Case 22-025 to allow staff and the applicant to further clarify how accessory structure square footage can be used by a home occupation, the ability to add language to include standards for maintenance of outside activities for outdoor business activities, to review the screening required around the premises as well as offseason screening recommendations, and to address how to conduct an outside business fitting with the character of the neighborhood. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). B. Planning Case 23-008; 1475 Dawn Circle - Variance – Public Hearing Not Required Senior Planner Fransen stated Joshua Haberman (“Applicant”) has requested a variance to construct a garage addition on the property located at 1475 Dawn Circle (“Subject Property”). The Applicant has requested a variance to decrease the required total side yard setback from 25 feet to 20.33 feet. The proposed addition would encroach 4.75 feet into the required 14.75-foot setback from the east property line of the Subject Property. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the existing site conditions, the site data, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-1 Zoning District total side yard setback at the Subject Property 1475 Dawn Circle. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-1 Zoning District. 3. The garage addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the roadways. 4. The proposed garage addition would decrease the required total side yard setback to 20.33 feet. Variance Findings: 1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 2. The proposed garage addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the configuration on the Subject Property would be consistent and compatible with the neighborhood. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available for Planning Case 23-008 to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction.