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I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 30. 1996 17 ,. G. Planning Case #96-18, Lake Johanna Fire Department, 3246 New Brighton Road, Variances and SUP Amendment I Mr. Ringwald advised that the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department is requesting an after- the-fact Special Use Permit (SUP) amendment to allow for a 20 space parking lot to the rear of I the existing Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) building. The applicant is also requesting variances from the required driveway width and the minimum parking lot setback requirement from adjacent residential uses. He explained the zoning ordinmlce states that all structures and I hard surface areas (parking lots) of non-residential uses in residential districts shall be no closer than 75 feet to the adjacent residential lot. The applicant's parking lot is within three feet of a residential lot (north) and nine feet of a residential lot (east). I The Planning Commission is recommending denial ofthe variances and the amendment to the Special Use Permit. I Mr. Ringwald explained staff met with the applicant subsequent to the Planning Commission meeting to determine options to minimize the impact and the applicant has modified its request I to add some parking spots and remove others at the northwest and eastern sides to provide more setback area. Ie Councilmember Malone stated that in looking over the situation, it seems the compromise the Fire Department is offering is appropriate and provides setback for the property as well as I additional setback for the property to the north. He agreed the original variance request was excessive but stated he believes this revision is acceptable and minimizes the impact to neighboring properties so he is willing to support the modified plan. I Nina McGuire, 1850 Beckman A venue, showed photographs of the 40 foot setback and of the parking lot as viewed from New Brighton Road. She explained that when she appeared before I the Planning Commission, which unanimously recommended denial, they asked her for further thought about this request. During the past month she has walked the property and, on that basis, stated she would like to present an alternative. I Ms. McGuire explained she purchased the land for the potential of development after she reviewed the situation with City staff. She presented her alternative by stating her interest in a 20 I foot wide strip of land from New Brighton Road to her property and suggested a land trade for some of her land which would allow the Fire Department to meet Code setbacks. I Ms. McGuire stated she believes the proposed 40 foot setback is too narrow when Code requires 75 feet and asserted her proposal will help both of her and the Fire Department to achieve what I they want; additional parking for the Fire Department and developable land for her. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the impact to the Fire Department's existing driveway .. which has been paved. Ms. McGuire stated she cannot respond to this but the worst case scenario is that the Fire Department would have to cut a new driveway and the best case is that they could work with each other. I