CCP 10-25-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . . ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 6, 1999 DRAFT 9 Commissioner Sand stated it had been his understanding that, as part of the Tony Schmidt Park project, there will be a walking path constructed next summer on the north side of Lake Johanna Boulevard. When this trail is constructed, he felt that this drainage problem may be resolved, He stated that this may have to be resolved by Ramsey County and suggested that the issue be brought up with the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director. Mr. Taylor stated that he would make it a priority to ensure that his construction does not negatively affect the neighborhood, Chair Erickson closed the public hearing at 8:22 p,m., as no one else wished to address the Planning Commission. Commissioner Sand stated that he had been concerned about granting the request for a variance at 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard because it is unknown what sort of home will be built. He did understand, however, that without knowing what the setback is, it would be difficult for the applicant to design a home. He was uncertain what would be the correct procedure in this case. Chair Erickson stated that this had been his concern as well. He indicated that the Planning Commission had been faced with a similar issue in the past. At that time, the Planning Commission had requested that the applicant provide the Commission with a design of the home prior to granting a variance. He felt that this case was different because it involves the relocation ofthe existing home. The approval ofthe variance could actually improve the current condition ofthe 1609 property. However, without knowing the proposed design ofthe new home, there could be issues raised with items such as the height of the home, the location of the garage and driveway access, Mr. Taylor asked if these were concems that would require an additional variance. Chair Erickson stated that they would not. However, these issues could affect how the Planning Commission views the proximity of the home to the property line. If access to the garage will be from the easement, this will result in a very short driveway and could cause parking problems. Mr. Taylor stated that he had not wanted to invest money in hiring an architect without knowing if his request for variances would be approved. If the variance request is denied, he will not be making any of the changes he had been proposing. Commissioner Rye suggested that the applicant consider what the buildable area would be without the variance and determine if a home could be designed to fit within this buildable area. Chair Erickson noted that the drawing supplied by the applicant proposes a rectangular home. He stated that there was no reason that the home must be this shape. There may be other possibilities that would not require a setback as small as 15 feet. He felt it was difficult to make decision based on a proposed rectangle on the site, Mr, Taylor stated that he intended to construct a one and one-half story home with a tuck under garage. He asked if there was anything that the Planning Commission found objectionable about the proposed rectangular footprint. Chair Erickson stated that his concern was for the proximity of the home to the easement and the lack of parking room this would create, He indicated that one reason for the 40 foot setback requirement was to allow ample room for a driveway in front of the home and keep the parking off the street.