10-08-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 3, 2025 10 Commissioner Lindau suggested the same FAR be followed for the lot with the non- conformities but recommended the vacant lot follow City Code. He stated this would assist with not setting a precedent from this request. Commissioner Erler discussed how the existing structure already encroaches on the shore impact zone. He suggested the Commission consider how to change or lessen this impact versus increasing the impact. Commissioner Lindau stated the shoreland mitigation plan may address these concerns. Chair Collins indicated he was struggling with the shore impact zone for the two lots and how the Commission could provide guidance on this issue. He recommended the shore impact threshold not be increased further than it was already being impacted by the existing structure. Senior Planner Fransen discussed how the lot consolidation would make the property more conforming when it comes to impervious surface. She suggested a threshold could be set when it comes to FAR, structure coverage, impervious surface and the shore impact zone. Commissioner Birken supported the Commission going through the list of variances one by one. The Commission was in agreement with this suggestion. Commissioner Birken stated there was nothing the Commission could do about the lot area and noted she could support this variance request. She indicated the lot depth was supposed to be 85 feet and the lot only had 49 feet. Senior Planner Fransen stated staff would verify with the applicant the building area elevation as it appears the architect has proposed the home would be built at 883. Commissioner Birken commented the applicant has proposed a front yard setback of four inches. She stated she could support this variance request. She indicated the rear yard setback was supposed to be 30 feet or 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark. She indicated the applicant has requested a variance to decrease this to 8.5 and 10.9 feet. She noted a portion of the building was already at 9 feet. Chair Collins indicated he could support the setback being 9 feet on the existing lot with the understanding the portion of the new structure on the new property complies with the rear yard setback. Commissioner Bjorklund suggested because no mitigation plan was provided by the applicant for the shoreland impact zone, this was reason enough to deny the request. Commissioner Birken stated the matter before the Commission was not about the mitigation plan, but rather was about how much of the building can be put in this area. Chair Collins commented his concern was how this structure would impact the lake and the fact that portion would sit within the shore impact zone. He suggested the same square footage of the existing structure within the shore impact zone is the maximum that would be allowed in the shore impact zone.