CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 1, 2000 DRAfT 2 . If the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on this Planning Case, then it would be . heard at the Monday, March 13,2000 regular meeting of the City Council. Larry Erickson, applicant, stated they can build a garage within the regulations but he would like to build the one with the variance because it would be more functional, allowing him to only heat half during the winter and it would be more attractive than a 19 foot garage. Mr. Erickson noted his lot is only 100 feet but if his lot depth was standard, he would be able to have this request. He noted the six foot privacy fence on one lot abutting his and the chain link on the adjoining property. Mr. Erickson stated he did not talk with Mr. Price, one of his neighbors. Mr. Erickson noted that this request would keep the garage three feet farther away than ifhe builds a 19 foot wide garage. In response to Chair Erickson, Ms. Randall advised that this property is zoned R-2 so a five foot setback is allowed. Chair Erickson asked how much of the 32 feet is shop and how much is garage. Ms. Randall presented a diagram. Mr. Erickson stated the shop area would be 10 feet by 16 feet wide. Chair Erickson suggested a configuration that is closer to the side lot line. Ms. Randall diagramed how the garage could be expanded toward the side property line to eliminate the need for the rear setback variance. Commissioner Nelson asked if the 19 x 24 foot area would be an extension toward the side lot . line and only to the back ofthe house. Ms. Randall stated that is correct. Chair Erickson noted that configuration toward the side lot line would provide more square footage. Mr. Erickson stated he believed such a configuration would be more costly to construct due to thc angles and beams needed. Chair Erickson inquired regarding the construction of the current garage. Ms. Randall presented a diagram of the front elevation which identified a gable roofline over the expansion area. Chair Erickson stated he believed that it would be possible to use the same truss configuration with an expansion toward the side lot line. Mr. Erickson stated a car is 20 feet long so a 24 foot garage only allows four feet extra. He explained a rectangular shaped space would be more functional for a workshop. Chair Erickson reviewed the history of other garage variances considered by the Planning Commission and general policy ofthe City that there is a hardship for homes with single car garages since a two car garage is more typical as a result, variances, within reason, have been approved to add a second stall to a single car garage. However, three car garages have not presented specific hardship issues that he can remember. Chair Erickson noted a third stall plus extra square footage can be accomplished in this case without creating the need for a variance. He stated he understands the applicant's desire for additional depth in front of the workshop but explained it is difficult, in this case, for the Planning Commission to identify a specific hardship to qualifY for granting a variance. .