CCP 03-27-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 13,2006 5 does not have a recommendation for the variance to construct an addition to the accessory structure (PC# 06-006b)_ He indicated staff has received two emails, one letter, and one phone call regarding Mr. Westlund's proposal. All three written correspondences were in support of Mr. Westlund's proposaL A phone call from Brice Scott at 3375 Lake Johanna Blvd was received on February 22,2006. Mr. Scott voiced his support ofMr. Westlund's project. Councilmember Grant inquired about the concern brought up at the Planning Commission pertaining to the height of the garage_ Mr. Lehnhoffresponded the new height of the accessory structure would increase, which would allow a full second story of usable space_ He noted the intent of the accessory structure was not for livable space, but that did not preclude storage space or office space_ He noted the Ordinance did not provide specifics on what it could or could not be used for. He stated the Council could limit the height of the building if they wanted_ He noted if it was possible to attach the structure to the house this would not be an issue, but that was not possible because of the sewer easement. Councilmember Holden asked if the zoning ordinance prohibited the expansion of a non- confornling structure_ Mr. Lehnhoff responded anything beyond a certain limit was non- confoilllance, which was why they had a variance application_ Dan Westlund, 3080 North Fairview, Roseville, stated he has been in the neighborhood for 48 years and he wanted to increase the value of the neighborhood_ He stated he was going to remodel this house, which would be offered for sale. He stated the square footage on the garage would bc 720 square feet, which would keep it 8 feet under the square footage allowed for an accessory structure_ He stated the height was a non-issue because he wOllld build the same elevation whether he got a variance or not He stated he wanted to design the garage to go with the house_ He noted he could not move the accessory structure because of the sewer easement He indicated there have been other garages in the area that have increased in size and were issued variances_ He stated the original basement was only 16x20 with hardly enough room for a laundry room and furnace_ He noted he wanted to add the upper story to the garage for storage, which was needed, especially on a lake frontage_ He believed this would be a benefit to the neighborhood_ He stated the neighbor impacted the greatest was in the audience and was in support of this. Councilmember Larson stated he admired Mr. Westlund's work and the City was fortunate he was doing what he was doing_ He stated he was not concerned so much about the addition because the lakeshore lots were unique_ He noted his lot was small and they were limited as to what they could do with the house. However, he had received a comment from a neighbor about the height He asked why Mr. Westlund could not add on an addition toward the lakeside to the garage for storage_ Mr. Westlund responded that would exceed the footprint allowed of 728 square feet He stated he would like to put in a four car garage if Council allowed him to do that, but noted he was still allowed to go to the height he was proposing without a variance. He stated it was the footprint he was asking for and he wanted to stay under the square footage. He