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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 27.1997 9 Councilmember Malone stated that, although the applicant's request seems to be a good compromise, he remembers the original land owner being told there would be no variances allowed in his site plan. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her concern with an after-the-fact variance request, and also stated she does not find garages placed out in front of houses aesthetically pleasing. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the drainage easement constitutes a hardship. Mr. Ringwald stated that it would, as it puts limits on the type of house that can be constructed on this lot. Councilmember Hicks asked if there were presently houses on the other lots in this addition, and if they were of a comparable size to the proposed house. John Gurtek, applicant, stated the proposed house is of a comparable size to other houses in the development. He reported that the residents on the other eight lots have been surveyed, and they all approve of the proposed variance. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the site plans of the other eight houses required a variance. Mr. Gurtek stated they did not. Councilmember Hicks inquired if another house of equal value but of a different layout could be built on this lot A discussion ensued regarding the different floor plans of houses in this development, their approximate value, and the poor sales potential of a house with a lower square footage than of those surrounding it. Mayor Probst stated although the record reflects the developer was informed there would be no variances of site plans in this location, the builder at the present time is not the same as when this project was initiated. He stated he has no concerns with the recommendations of the Planning Commission. Councilmember Hicks stated although he shares the concern of the timing of this variance request, he allowed that a la-foot variance was not a major concern, that the drainage easement does present a problem, and that the house should be of comparable value to those surrounding it. MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #97-01, Gurtek, 4315 Colleen Court, Variance, allowing a lO-foot front yard setback variance of the garage portion only of the house plan, and based on the conditions outlined by the Planning Commission and shown on Plan Dla, and based on the rationale of the hardship of the drainage easement placement. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Malone inquired regarding the addition of a deck, whether posts would be allowed or if it would need to be cantilevered. Mr. Ringwald stated the decks would need to be cantilevered out over the drainage easement, no posts would be allowed. Mr. Ringwald further stated that no structures of any kind are allowed in the drainage easement, such as playsets or storage buildings.