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<br /> PLANNING MEMO wehrman <br /> To: Arden Hills Planning Commission bergly <br /> . From: Wehrman Bergly Associates, Inc. UQQrSffies <br /> Orlyn W. Miller, Planner <br /> Subj ect: Case #87-06 <br /> Height variance for fence <br /> 1233 Karth Lake Drive n. plaza bldg., ste. 220 <br /> Applicants: Robert E. and Patricia K. Larsen 5217 wayzata blvd. <br /> Date: March 24, 1987 minneapolis, mn 55416 <br /> 612 544 7576 <br /> Although the subject house is not directly adjacent to Highway 96, the <br /> primary view from the rear of the house is directly across the open yard <br /> of the adjacent lot toward the highway. The applicants have constructed <br /> a six-foot fence at the northwest corner of their lot to screen the view <br /> of the highway. However, because their house is constructed at an <br /> elevation approximately two feet above the ground elevation at the <br /> fence, and the highway is at a higher elevation, the six-foot fence does <br /> not block the view of traffic. Therefore, the applicants are proposing <br /> to increase the height of the fence to eight feet, requiring a two-foot <br /> variance. <br /> COMMENTS: <br /> l. The existing fence is not directly behind the house to the north. <br /> The fence begins at the southwest corner of the house to the north <br /> . and extends west from that point. <br /> 2. The proposed eight-foot fence will not obstruct views from the <br /> adjacent house. Its primary views are from the second level, <br /> directed to the south. The adjacent house, a split level, is built <br /> at a higher elevation. The grade just north of the fence raises <br /> rapidly by 2 to 2 1/2 feet, reducing the height of the fence from <br /> the adjacent property to the north. <br /> CONCLUSIONS: <br /> The fencing provisions of the ordinance are not intended to ensure all <br /> homeowners total screening of all negative views. However, the relation- <br /> ship of this house to Highway 96 makes such screening reasonable and <br /> desirable. Furthermore, an eight-foot fence would have little or no <br /> negative impact on the adjacent property, in my opinion. The requested <br /> variance can be justified because the slope of the land renders a six- <br /> foot fence of limited value for screening views of Highway 96. <br /> . <br /> planning' landscape architecture <br />