CCP 10-14-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 29. 1997 @~~ ~~ 5 -- Mr. Ringwald statcd the applicant could construct a six-foot addition onto the side of the garage without the need for a variance. He stated that, perhaps, the property itself may be the rationale - to consider a square footagc variancc. I Mayor Probst noted that thc Council did talk about how to deal with situations in somc of thc older scctions of Arden Hills whcrc rcsidcnts want to upgrade thcir propcrty. . Councilmcmber Hicks inquircd rcgarding the rcqucst for a fivc-foot variance to the front setback and asked what thc distance is between the existing garagc wall and the proposed wall including I thc new steps. Mr. Ringwald explained that 12.5 fect arc left, excluding thc width of the steps. Councilmember Hicks statcd hc considers thc steps to bc a permanent part of the struCture and, I bascd on the drawing, both the existing garagc walls will be closer to thc lot lines than the house is. Mr. Ringwald reviewed the sctback distances for each structurc and advised the City usually does not consider sidewalks or steps as permanent structures which need to mect the side yard I setback for accessory structures. Councilmembcr Hicks asked if the applicant can increasc the existing garage by six feet without I a square footage variancc. Mr. Ringwald stated this is correct and noted that a five-foot front yard setback would still be necded. I- Councilmember Hicks noted the garage probably cannot be attached to the housc due to the steep grade. Mr. Ringwald agreed there would be a grade separation bctween the garage and the house. I Councilmember Aplikowski askcd if thc currcnt garagc can house two cars. Mr. Ringwald I answered affirmatively and providcd a drawing of the proposcd front garagc elevation showing the usc of a two-car garage door plus a servicc door to access the storagc arca. I Councilmembcr Aplikowski stated shc supports variances for older homes which allow the occupant to upgrade and remain in thcir home. She statcd she would favor the requested varIances. I Councilmember Malonc statcd this charactcrization may not be accurate since thc City does need rationale to consider a variance. He stated he does not believe rationale is prescnt for thc square I footage variance request and, without that rationalc, the City would invalidate the Zoning Ordinance. I Mayor Probst noted the footprint of thc house is less than 1,200 square feet and to be able to store items, there nceds to bc a reasonable location. Also, this lot is not even near the typical size of a rcsidentiallot. I Councilmember Malone pointed out that even with a largcr sized lot, the allowable square .. footage is the same. I ------------