06-11-07 Item 7C, PC 07-012, Variance at 1486 Arden Oaks Drive

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MAY 2, 2007 4 had spoken with a builder and they were recommending a flat roof so it would blend into rest ofthe home and to keep the encroaclunent to a minimum. Commissioner Stodola asked if they did this, how they would get from the garage into the house. Ms. Muller responded stairways inside the structure would be built. Commissioner Modesette asked if the garage was heated. Ms. Muller responded it was not and she did not plan to heat it. Chair Sand stated it would be helpful if they had a side view. Councilmember Thompson asked what the area above the garage would be used for. Ms. Muller responded it would not be used for living space, but more likely for storage space. She noted it would be minimally heated and cooled. Chair Sand asked if there was any concern about using the old garage as storage or if there were any building regulations that would restrict its use. Commissioner Modesette stated the use could change over time and there was no guarantee that this would remain as storage space. Mr. Lehnhoff stated he was not able to give an answer at this time and he would need to have the Building Official look at this. Dennis Foster. 1415 Arden Oaks Drive stated he had no problem that the garage was at a lower level. He acknowledged the driveway was very steep, but he had a concern about the setback. He noted the entire neighborhood was consistent and had abided by the setback requirements. He stated the request was to cut the setback in half, which was a considerable amount. He indicated if it was a 3-5 foot variance that it would not be an issue. He noted there were other homes in the same situation with steep driveways that could make the same request. He indicated the driveway did face north, so it did get ice and snow buildup which he sympathized with, but the setback was the issue. He stated the ordinance had been there for some time and the owner should have recognized the steep driveway when purchased and he was sure the price reflected the undesirable steep driveway. He indicated there was nothing that was out of the owner's control and he believed she should abide by the setbacks as the rest of the residents were required to do. Ms. Muller stated the neighbors directly adjacent to her property and across the street were in favor of this application and they believed it would increase the look of the neighborhood. She acknowledged that she knew the driveway was steep prior to her purchasing the home, but being from another country, she did not realize how difficult the driveway would be in the winter. Commissioner Stodola noted a north facing driveway also added difficulties in the winter.