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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 13, 2006 5 does not have a recommendation for the variance to construct an addition to the accessory structure (PC# 06-006b). He indicated staff has received two emails, one letter, and one phone call regarding Mr. Westlund's proposal. All three written correspondences were in support of Mr. Westlund's proposal. A phone call from Brice Scott at 3375 Lake Johanna Blvd was received on February 22,2006. Mr. Scott voiced his support ofMr. Westlund's project. Councilmember Grant inquired about the concern brought up at the Planning Commission pertaining to the height of the garage. Mr. Lehnhoff responded the new height of the accessory structure would increase, which would allow a full second story of usable space. He noted the intent of the accessory structure was not for livable space, but that did not preclude storage space or office space. He noted the Ordinance did not provide specifics on what it could or could not be used for. He stated the Council could limit the height of the building if they wanted. He noted if it was possible to attach the structure to the house this would not be an issue, but that was not possible because ofthe sewer easement. Councilmember Holden asked if the zoning ordinance prohibited the expansion of a non- conforming structure. Mr. Lehnhoff responded anything beyond a certain limit was non- conformance, which was why they had a variance application. Dan Westlund, 3080 North Fairview, Roseville, stated he has been in the neighborhood for 48 years and he wanted to increase the value of the neighborhood. He stated he was going to remodel this house, which would be offered for sale. He stated the square footage on the garage would be 720 square feet, which would keep it 8 feet under the square footage allowed for an accessory structure. He stated the height was a non-issue because he would build the same elevation whether he got a variance or not. He stated he wanted to design the garage to go with the house. He noted he could not move the accessory structure because of the sewer easement. He indicated there have been other garages in the area that have increased in size and were issued variances. He stated the original basement was only 16x20 with hardly enough room for a laundry room and furnace. He noted he wanted to add the upper story to the garage for storage, which was needed, especially on a lake frontage. He believed this would be a benefit to the neighborhood. He stated the neighbor impacted the greatest was in the audience and was in support ofthis. Councilmember Larson stated he admired Mr. Westlund's work and the City was fortunate he was doing what he was doing. He stated he was not concerned so much about the addition because the lakeshore lots were unique. He noted his lot was small and they were limited as to what they could do with the house. However, he had received a comment from a neighbor about the height. He asked why Mr. Westlund could not add on an addition toward the lakeside to the garage for storage. Mr. Westlund responded that would exceed the footprint allowed of 728 square feet. He stated he would like to put in a four car garage if Council allowed him to do that, but noted he was still allowed to go to the height he was proposing without a variance. He stated it was the footprint he was asking for and he wanted to stay under the square footage. He