CCP 03-09-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. , PLANNING imlO wehrman To: Arden Hills Planning Commission bergly llQQ~sat~ . From: Wehrman Bergly Associates, Inc. Orlyn W. Miller, Planner Subject: Case #87-02A and #87-028 Setback variances for houses at 4173 and 4183 Norma Avenue n, plaza bldg" ste. 220 Applicants: George and Catherine Grenander (4173) 5217 wayzata blvd. George and Charlotte Spang (4183) minneapolis, mn 55416 612 544 7576 Date: February 24, 1987 The applicants, owners of adjacent homes on Norma Avenue within the Royal Hills subdivision, are requesting approval of variances for sideyard setbacks. The requests are a result of incorrect positioning of the homes on the lots, errors discovered after the houses were completed. At this point, granting the variances will simply "legalize" them for the record. The subject lots are subject to a 10-foot minimum sideyard setback and an aggregate setback of 20 feet. The house at 4173 has an aggregate setback of 29 feet, but the north setback is only 7.6 feet, requiring a 2.4-foot variance. The house at 4183 has an aggregate setback of 17.9 feet, requiring'a variance of 2.1 feet and a north setback of only 4.5 feet, requiring a 5.5-foot variance. In addition, a timber retaining wall at the northwest corner of the . house at 4183 encroaches upon the adjacent lot. Since a 3-foot setback is required for retaining walls, a variance for the existing wall is also required. COMMENTS 1. Since both homes are completed, there is no practical method of correcting the substandard setbacks resulting from improper surveying by the builder when the houses wer.e positioned on the lots. At this time, approval of the variances should be granted to eliminate encumbrances which might hinder the salability of the properties in the future. 2. The retaining wall encroachment onto the adjacent property represents a self-created situation. The Spangs inadvertantly extended the wall beyond their property line. They have been negotiating the purchase of an easement for the wall, but as yet have not reached an agreement with the neighboring property owner. If such an easement cannot be obtained, it is assumed that the retaining wall will have to be relocated. Because of the proximity of the northwest corner of the house to the property line, the angle of the house, and the slope of the land at that point, I recommend that a 3-foot variance be granted for the retaining wall. This will allow the wall to remain as it is if an easement can be obtained. If an easement cannot be obtained, . the wall can be reconstructed at the property line--accurately surveyed, I hope! .. '. planning' landscape architecture