PCP 11-01-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION -OCTOBER 4, 2006 2 . second request is to pemlit the property to have a crushed rock driveway instead of a . driveway with an improved surface. He indicated notice was sent to properties within 350 feet of the subject property and staff had received no letters or telephone calls from property owners or occupants in regard to this planning case. He stated while the variance requests were unlikely to have a negative impact on the immediate neighborhood, staff has been unable to identify a certifiable hardship for either variance request. A single access, improved driveway would be similar in character to most other properties in the neighborhood and most other properties in the City. Although the variance requests are unlikely to harm the neighborhood or set legal precedence, it may set a trend for further requests of the same nature. He indicated the Zoning Ordinance requires a paved surface for driveways. While a crushed rock driveway is not a paved surface, it is conceivable that a crushed rock driveway could be considered an "improved surface", though it should not be classified as a completely pervious surface. If the Planning Commission detemlines that a crushed rock surface is within the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance, staff would recommend amending the Ordinance to include crushed rock as an approved surface for a driveway since it is difficult to find any discemable hardship to approve this particular variance request. Although each variance request is considered unique, approving this variance application for a crushed rock surface driveway is likely to lead to similar . applications in the future. Should the Planning Commission wish to pemlit the crushed rock surface, staff would then recommend tabling or denying this variance application for the crushed rock surface drivcway and directing staff to prepare language to amend the Zoning Ordinance. If the variance application is denied and an Ordinance amendment to permit a crushed rock surface is not passed, the applicant would need to install a driveway with a paved surface. Tabling the variance application would provide the applicant with the opportunity to pursue the variance further if the Zoning Ordinance is not amended to pennit a crushed rock surface driveway. Since the construction season is quickly coming to an end, it is unlikely that a paved surface driveway would be installed yet this year. If the Planning Commission directs staff to prepare language for an Ordinance amendment, it might be prudent to still send this planning case to the City Council to help determine the viability of such an amendment. Finally, should the Planning Commission vote to approve either of the variance requests, findings supporting the variance request should be cited. He indicated he had received an email from Mr. Lis dated October 3,2006 pointing out a couple of details that he believed were not factual with regard to staff's report. Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. .