CCP 04-10-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 13,2000 D.'O fie, F. T "lj,.l"'~ . 7 Ms. Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommends approval of Planning Case #00- 14, corner side yard variance for a porch addition based on the "Findings - Corner Side Yard Setback Variance" section of the staff report dated March I, 2000, and with the following modification: I. Eliminate the 8 by 14-foot section on the northeast side thus only needing a 12-foot setback where a 40 foot setback is required. Mayor Probst invited Mr. Chuck Mertensotto to address the Council. Mr. Mertensotto stated the home is on one of the most visible pieces of property in the City and is being remodeled inside and out. He added the 8 x 14 foot section was a result of attempting to break up the north side of the home. Mr. Mertensotto stated the home has no defined front entrance, which is a hardship. He added there is no place to enjoy the lake views from the home. He noted he had contacted Ramsey County with regard to future road construction on Lake Johanna Boulevard, and he was informed that the County has no plans for that road within the next 5 years. Mayor Probst asked whether the applicant had considered any other locations for the 8 x 14 foot section of the deck. Mr. Mertensotto stated he thought a small seating area on the north side of the home would break up the line ofthe house. Mayor Probst expressed concern with regard to the degree of encroachment. He added that the roadway would require construction at some point in the future. He expressed his support of the Planning Commission's modification, requiring the elimination of the 8 x 14 foot section of deck. Councilmember Larson stated he is glad to see work being done on the home. He added that the applicant seems to be indicating that his design is not final, and asked what the applicant required if the Council was not inclined to approve the variance. He stated the deck might be designed to extend out in a triangular shape on the southeast corner of the house. Mayor Probst expressed concern that the applicant's proposal may not be final, adding the Council would not want to proceed with such a significant variance if the applicant is unsure whether the construction would take place. He suggested the Council might hold the variance over, or send the issue back to the Planning Commission. Mr. Mertensotto stated his neighbors have expressed their approval of breaking up the length of the home along the north side. Mr. Lawrence Erickson, 1860 Indian Place, stated he is a neighbor of the applicant, and he believes that corner of the home could be very aesthetically pleasing and is visible from the beach which will be frequented by non-residents as well as residents. He added it will mean a lot to the City in terms of appearance, and expressed his support of the applicant's request.