CCP 10-25-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 6, 1999 10 < With the configuration shown in Exhibit B, Chair Erickson asked ifit was staff's opinion that the . proposed footprint would be in line with the homes to the north, Ms, Randall stated that this was correct. She stated that the other two homes to the north have larger lots and the homes are 20 to 25 feet from the property line. With the curve in the easement, it does not appear that these homes are setback any further than the applicant's homes would be. She added that with the requirement of a 40 foot setback, there would only be 43 feet of buildable space. Commissioner Rye asked if there would be additional buildable space to the south on lot 1605, Commissioner Sand stated that there was a steep slope towards the Boulevard that would cause difficult drainage issues, Commissioner Sand confirmed that the house at 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard is currently accessed from the Boulevard. Mr. Taylor stated that this was correct. Commissioner Sand asked if when this house is moved to lot 1609 would the access to the garage be to the south side as well. Mr. Taylor stated that there will be a new access off the easement. With regard to 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard, Commissioner Rye stated that, with the side yard to the south, the front yard setback variance could be reduced if the rectangular footprint ofthe home was reduced to the west and enlarged to the south, Commissioner Sand reiterated that this would not be practical with the steep slope to the south. Ms, Randall stated that there was a 40 foot required comer side yard setback to the south ofthe property. Therefore the home could not be extended to the south without a variance. . Commissioner Baker stated that he would have a difficult time supporting the request for variances for either of the two properties, He felt it inappropriate to move a home which may be too large for the lot it is proposed to be moved to and constructing a new home that also requires a variance. He did not feel he could support a variance for less than 20 feet as approved for other homes on the easement. He asked where the paved portion ofthe easement falls within the 30 foot easement. Ms, Randall stated that the paved area varies as it was not a straight shot along the edge ofthe road. Mr. Taylor stated that it was his beliefthat the house on lot 1605 could legally be placed on lot 1609, The only issue was that it would cause problems for the neighbors ifthe home is placed further back on the lot. He felt it was to the City's advantage for the current cabin located on lot 1609 to be removed. This cabin has been valued at approximately $40,000 and the structure is in disrepair. He stated that if the variance request is not approved he will not be making any changes to either of the two lots and the situation will remain status quo, Commissioner Sand requested confirmation of the statement that the home on lot 1605 could be legally moved to lot 1609 without a variance, He believed that a variance would still be needed as the home being moved would not meet the current setback requirements. Ms. Randall stated that the applicant was indicating that the home could be placed 40 feet from the front property line. However, this would encroach on the basketball court and take up the entire backyard. Mr. Taylor stated that this was correct. He stated that there were children in the neighborhood that . use the basketball court and this was one reason the neighbors were hoping the variance request is approved. He added that moving the home to the rear of the lot would close offthe view for the homes located to the north of his property.