CCP 02-22-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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., e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 3, 1999 DRAFT 19 Chair Erickson concurred that building a new home in the buildable area, with a variance to the north, would fall more within the guidelines of granting a variance. He noted it may be difficult to desigu a home within the parameters; however, it could be done. Commissioner Sand pointed out that this would be assuming the applicants were granted the variance to the north. Chair Erickson noted that a variance could not be granted with out a proposal. He indicated that this may require the applicants to rethink their financial plan. He stated that the Commission did not wish to inhibit improvements to the property; however, consistencies need to be maintained. Mr. Delich pointed out that the alley, which runs along the buildable area on the property, is very steep. If a new home were to be built in the buildable area, it would be a difficult challenge. For this reason they had not considered relocating the home to the buildable area. He stated that all they want is a livable home and they had been hoping to prove their hardship. Commissioner Nelson stated that he understands the applicant's desire to own a livable home. He pointed out that the motion made by the Planning Commission is a recommendation to the City Council and the City Council would be making the final decision. Mr. Delich asked if additional information regarding the alley should be included in the presentation to the City Council. Mr. Ringwald suggested he present this information to the Staff in order to properly prepare the proposal for the City Council. He suggested that if more time is needed to prepare the proposal, the review by the City Council could be moved out to a later date. Chair Erickson noted that the Planning Commission is a recommending body to the City Council. The task of the Commission is to review a proposal based on the Ordinance and ensure its consistency. The Planning Commission must make their decision based on the findings made by the City Staff. Other extenuating circumstances can and would be considered by the City Council. He encouraged the applicants to present their proposal to the City Council and to inc1t!de any additional information they feel may help their case. Mr. Delich asked if the City Council will have the recommendation information from the Planning Commission at the meeting. Mr. Ringwald explained that the City Council would receive a copy of the Staff report and a copy ofthe minutes from this meeting. He also pointed out that a Council Liaison attends the Planning Commission meetings in order to report back to the City Council. He suggested that the applicant speak with Ms. Randall in order to determine what information should be included and the amount of time needed to prepare the information. Commissioner Duchenes commented that this case is one which is easy to be sympathetic towards. However, there are other homeowners in similar situations and the Planning Commission must consider the affects this case may have on any future request and the possibility of perpetuating non-conformity. She stated that her primary concern is of a precedence being set. Commissioner Sand pointed out that, although he concurs with Commissioner Duchenes, the applicant's are new to the City and are attempting to improve their property. The City is constrained by the limitations of its Ordinances. He suggested, with some planning, that the applicants may be able to redesign a new home which may have more value than the home being