10-08-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 3, 2025 5 City Administrator Jagoe stated some of the variance requests were reviewed with the City Attorney and it was confirmed the variances would be needed. She reported staff did this due diligence before bringing this item before the Planning Commission. She explained staff also looked closely at State Statute language. She commented because the home was being rebuilt and expanded, the variances were being triggered. Commissioner Jacobson indicated if she were to rebuild her house she would have to follow City requirements or she would have to apply for a variance. Senior Planner Fransen stated this was the case. Commissioner Jacobson understood there were previous requests from homeowners on the lake that wanted boathouses. She explained this request would rebuild a house very close to the lakeshore and questioned if this request would trigger further requests for boathouses or other structures close to the water. Senior Planner Fransen indicated the shoreland regulation section of the zoning code has established criteria for any sort of development of a boathouse. She noted there were variance criteria that would have to be met and a practical difficulty would have to be displayed. She was of the opinion that requests for a boathouse would be different from this request before the Planning Commission. Commissioner Jacobson requested staff speak to the differences between the ordinary high water mark and the 100 year flood plain level. Senior Planner Fransen discussed the differences between the ordinary high water mark and the 100 year flood plain level. She reported the plan evaluation for this request was based on the 100 year flood plain level. Commissioner Jacobson inquired if the edge of the proposed driveway needs a setback from the neighbors to the east. Senior Planner Fransen explained driveways have to be at least five feet from any neighboring driveway and has to be entirely on the proposed property. Commissioner Jacobson asked if the proposed home would impact the viewshed of the neighboring homes. Senior Planner Fransen stated there are different regulations that could address views, but noted the City does not have specific language that states views must be preserved. Commissioner Jacobson indicated she would like to see a diagram that displays how views from surrounding property owners would be impacted by the proposed home. She understood the home to the west was one story and the proposed home was three stories. She discussed how the privacy of the one story home would be impacted by the proposed home. Senior Planner Fransen stated there is not language within the code that addresses building heights and privacy except for the maximum height permitted, which was 35 feet. She noted the proposed home was below 35 feet.