CCP 10-25-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e DRAFT ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 6, 1999 11 Chair Erickson asked what the variances had been that were granted for 1611 and 1613 Lake Johanna Boulevard. Ms. Randall stated that these properties were granted 20 and 25 foot setback variances. She noted that the front and rear lines of the homes to the north are in line with each other. Ifthe home were placed further to the rear oflot 1609, it would not line up with these other homes. She added that the lots to the north were square shaped which allowed the homes to be placed at more of an angle, The applicant's lots are much skinnier which leaves him fewer options to rotate the homes. Commissioner Galatowitsch stated that one criteria for a variance request is that the variance not be greater than necessary to accomplish the landowner's objective, She indicated that without a design plan for the home at 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard it is unknown what the applicant's obj ective is. Mr. Taylor requested confirmation that he would have to be granted prior approval of his building plans, Chair Erickson stated that the applicant would have to be granted a building permit. However, the request for a building permit is not brought before the Planning Commission. He stated that the primary issue is that, if this request for a variance is approved, this would grant a setback variance for a non-plan, He indicated that the Planning Commission typically takes all factors involved in the proposal into consideration prior to granting a variance. Chair Erickson suggested that the home being moved to lot 1609 be rotated slightly to reduce the setback variance. However, there was no precedence for him to support the request for a variance for lot 1605 without reviewing the type of home being proposed. Mr. Taylor asked ifthe Planning Commission would require detailed blue prints of the proposed home, Chair Erickson stated that the Planning Commission would want at least enough of a design proposal in order to determine what the intent is. Mr. Taylor suggested that he be approved for a certain size home or smaller. He reiterated that without knowing ifhe will be approved for the setback variance, he would not be able to proceed with building plans. Commissioner Rye agreed that approving the variance with a maximum size and height of the home would be reasonable. He did not feel that the requested setback would have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Taylor stated that, ifhe cannot be approved for setbacks, similar to other homes in the area, there would be no reason for him to proceed with his plans. He agreed that there may be ways to adjust the homes to reduce the variance. Chair Erickson stated that the Planning Commission must make a decision based on the current request and is not responsible for modifying the request. He assumed that specific plans had been submitted for the homes to the north when those variances had been approved. Chair Erickson requested confirmation that if the current setback requirement was adhered to, the footprint ofthe home at 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard would have to change. Ms, Randall stated that this was correct, however, it would greatly minimize the size of home that could be built compared to the other homes in the area, She felt that these lots were good candidates for setback variances. However, the amount of variance is what was needed to be determined. Mr. Taylor pointed out that the drawing ofthe home at 1605 Lake Johanna Boulevard in Exhibit B was depicting basically the same footprint ofthe current home on this lot. He stated that he would be constructing a new home within the footprint of the current home,