CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH I, 2000 DRAfT 7 e five years unless the City does something. He stated he is not aware of any task force being formed to look at the road. Mr. Mertensotto stated the sidewalks on either side of Lake Johanna Boulevard are deteriorated and he is trying to determine who owns the sidewalks. He estimated the sidewalks were constructed before 1975. Mr. Mertensotto stated this house needs something and he has received permission to make the inside improvements. He stated that his other house has a mansard roof but he has not yet determined if this structure should have a mansard roof due to the noise considerations. He stated he selected this style with the side porch area so the occupants could have a sitting area to view the lake or be able to watch their children at play on the beach across the roadway. He stated if you are on the beach, the roadway elevation is quite high so it is difficult to see the other side ofthe road when viewing from the beach. Mr. Mertensotto stated Mayor Probst is his next door neighbor but he has not talked to him about the suggested design. He stated he has attempted to create a design off to the side that does not impact the road and break up the appearance ofthe structure. He stated he is trying to tie the new porch into the porch located at the back of the house. Mr. Mertensotto stated that many in the neighborhood have probably hoped something would be done to improve the appearance and increase the value of the house. Chair Erickson asked how far the opposite (southwest) comer of the house is to the street. Ms. Randall stated it is 31 feet. e Chair Erickson stated he finds this consideration to be similar to the garage shop variance request considered earlier tonight. He noted any work will be difficult since the house is nonconforming. Mr. Mertensotto stated he is trying to create a front entrance to the house. Chair Erickson agreed that some type of improvement will create better curb appeal but the side deck becomes a functional deck and cuts the existing setbaek in half. He posed the option as to whether a more functional solution could be created with the porch on the opposite (southwest) side of the house. Mr. Mertensotto noted that option would not improve the aesthetic of the home when viewed from Tony Schmidt Park. Chair Erickson stated small awnings or roof overhangs could be considered to enhance the aesthetics of that elevation. Mr. Mertensotto asked how that configuration would allow a view of the lake. Chair Erickson noted it would actually provide a better private viewing of the lake by taking it away from the road and beach area. Mr. Mertensotto pointed out that a door opening would be needed for a deck on the opposite side of the home. He noted that there already is an on-grade patio on that side of the house as well. Chair Erickson stated he is having a difficult time supporting this request given the extreme nature of the variance. e Commissioner Rye noted a unique feature is that there are no residents to the north, east, or northeast, and the western property neighbor would be completely shielded from the porch as well as the southern neighbor due to the topography. He suggested the purpose of setbacks is to minimize impact to neighbors and allow for utilities and access. Commissioner Rye asked what type of impact this encroachment would have on any future roadway construction.