CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 1, 2000 DRAFT 6 t applicant desires to build a porch on the street side to enhance the property. This is currently a .. rental property. .. To date, little information has been compiled regarding historic sites or buildings in Arden Hills having architectural/visual interest. Investigation with the Minnesota Historical Society and Ramsey County Historical Society has identified only one site. This house, known as the Charles Perry house, has been designated as a possible nominee for the National Register of Historic Places. Further research, as well as community interest, is required before actual placement on the National Register of Historic Places is pursued. The home currently does not have any historic restrictions or reviews for modifications. Ms. Randall noted the property is not square to the road and explained that the shorter side of the property is considered the front, noting both the front and sides of a comer lot require a 40 foot setback so the front setback is not currently being met. With regard to circumstances unique to the property, staff found the house currently is 15.37 feet (where 40 feet is required) from the easement line. The house was built (moved) prior to the current setback restriction. Ms. Randall eXplained that the variance can be reduced by eliminating the 8 by l4-foot section on the northeast. She presented an overview diagram of the house structure and how a porch could be configured which would not present as much of an impact. She advised that it appears at one time (due to some existing footings) there was a porch approximately 5 by 5 feet in front of the door. Any front entryway will require a variance. Because ofthat, staff felt the porch could be placed in that location but not wrapped around the building. Ms. Randall stated Lake Johanna Boulevard may be reconstructed to meet today's standards so it e may shift somewhat but the exact alignment is not yet known. She asked the Planning Commission to keep that in mind when considering locating anything closer to Lake Johanna Boulevard. Ms. Randall advised that Staffrecommends approval of Planning Case #00-14, comer side yard variance for a porch addition, based on the "Findings - Corner Side Yard Setback Variance" section of the staff report dated March 1, 2000, and with the following modification: 1. Eliminate the 8 by l4-foot section on the northeast side thus only needing a l2-foot setback where a 40 foot setback is required. Ms. Randall advised that the applicant does not agree with the modification being recommended by staff and would like to make comment on that aspect. If the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on this Planning Case, then it would be heard at the Monday, March 13, 2000, regular meeting ofthe City Council. Chair Erickson stated that judging by the plan and elevation, it appears that everything proposed on the front except the side deck falls more in the nature of a front entry with solar screening over the window. However, the house is already non-conforming. He asked the applicant if he wished to speak to this issue. e Chuck Mertensotto, applicant, stated the house was for sale and if there was any historical interest, the City or County should have taken some action because the price was lowered. He stated he called the Ramsey County Highway Department and they said nothing would be done with Lake Johanna Boulevard until it deteriorates and that it is not within their plans for the next