05-14-07 Item 4C, Planning Case 07-011 Site Plan Review at 4518 Pleasant Drive

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MAY 2, 2007 2, B. PLANNING CASE 07-011 - SITE PLAN REVIEW, ROB & JENNIFER SCOTT; 4518 PLEASANT DRIVE Mr. Lehnhoffstated the applicant was requesting a site plan review to construct an eight- foot high fence along their eastern (rear) property line adjacent to Lexington A venue. He noted to approve this application, the Planning Commission and Council must only find that this situation is unusual and the proposed deviation will enhance the property without harming the adjacent properties, the City, or Lexington Avenue. He indicated this was not a variance application, and the applicant does not need to demonstrate "undue hardship" for the City to approve this application. He noted staff believed this was an unusual situation and the fence would increase the livability of the property without impacting Lexington Avenue or the adjacent properties. Staff recommended approval subject to the following conditions: I. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. The applicant shall locate the utilities near the proposed fence before the fence permit is issued. The applicant shall comply with any setbacks set by the utility company. 3. The fence shall not encroach on the Ramsey County right-of-way without prior written permission from Ramsey County. The applicant shall be responsible for locating the lot lines prior to the issuance of the fence permit. 4. The applicant shall keep the fence maintained and promptly repaired if any damage occurs to the fence, including graffiti. Commissioner Holewa stated he lived in the area and the traffic was increasing. Commissioner Modesette questioned whether eight feet was tall enough to be effective. Mr. Lehnhoff stated he had informed the applicants that they could request a higher fence but the applicants stated that the fence they wanted was manufactured at only eight feet. Commissioner Larson noted if they approved an eight foot fence here, they had the same situation all along Lexington Avenue. Chair Sand stated they were just dealing with this particular lot at this time and it was because of the unique elevation circumstances and as far as he was concerned it might not be relevant to any future applications. He noted he could see wanting a fence for safety purposes. Commissioner Stodola moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa to approve Planning Case No. 07-011, for a Site Plan Review at 4518 Pleasant Drive based on the findings of fact, the submitted plans, and the four conditions in the May 2, 2007 planning case memo. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).