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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-24 PC MinutesApproved: June 5, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Kurtis Weber called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Kurtis Weber, Commissioners Brad Bjorklund, Shelley Blilie, Joshua Collins, Arlene Mitchell, and Jonathan Wicklund. Absent: Council Liaison Emily Rousseau and Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe Also present were: Senior Planner Elena Fransen. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – MAY 8, 2024 Commissioner Bjorklund moved, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to approve the May 8, 2024, agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 3, 2024 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Erler moved, seconded by Commissioner Blilie, to approve the April 3, 2024, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). PLANNING CASES A.Planning Case 24-008; 1511 Dawn Circle - Variance – Public Hearing Not Required Senior Planner Fransen stated Kam and Jennifer Schmaltz (“Applicant”) has requested a variance to construct an addition to the east elevation of an existing principal structure and attached garage on the property located at 1511 Dawn Circle (“Subject Property”). The Applicant has requested a variance to decrease the required side yard setback for corner lots from the minimum requirement of 40 feet to 28.2 feet. The Applicant is proposing a 12 foot by 36.5 foot garage addition to expand the existing attached garage width from 21.5 feet to 33.5 feet and ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2024 2 allow for an addition to the upper floor of the principal structure. The addition would add 438 square feet to the existing attached garage and 386 square feet to the principal structure. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the site data, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-1 Zoning District side yard setback for corner lots at the Subject Property 1511 Dawn Circle. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-1 Zoning District. 3. The Applicant states that the proposed addition will not impede sight lines from the roadways. 4. The proposed addition would have a decreased side yard setback for a corner lot of 28.2 feet. Variance Findings: 1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 2. The proposed addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the proposed design will look and feel consistent with the existing structure. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission for Planning Case 24-008 for a Variance to construct an addition with a 28.2 foot side yard setback on a corner lot at 1511 Dawn Circle: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. 2. A Zoning Permit shall be issued for the driveway expansion. 3. The proposed building addition shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City Code. 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Weber opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Chair Weber thanked the applicant for speaking with the neighbors regarding this request. Commissioner Wicklund asked what the process was to make sure the finishing touches match the existing home. Senior Planner Fransen stated the City’s requirement was for applicants to match exterior building materials from the existing structure to the proposed addition and that this would be reviewed with the building permit application. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2024 3 Commissioner Bjorklund commented on how he drove by this property and noticed a neighbor has an accessory dwelling unit detached from the home on a corner lot. He stated he was uncertain if this was allowed by the City. He indicated the applicant was not proposing to do something very different from what was already existing in their neighborhood less than a block away. Senior Planner Fransen explained the City has had conversations with residents regarding accessory dwelling units and noted they are currently not a permitted use in residential zoning distrcits. She reported staff had received an inquiry into process to modify the zoning code to make ADU’s a permitted use. She indicated staff could follow up with neighboring property owner to confirm how they were using this accessory structure. Commissioner Mitchell stated a three car garage was not an unusual thing in Arden Hills. She commented further on how the setbacks for corner lots were quite limiting, noting passersby would only see three garage doors from the street if a three car garage were to be built in accordance with the setback requirements. She explained the 40 foot setback requirement for corner lots was concerning to her. She stated she could support the proposed garage addition. Commissioner Blilie indicated she supported the request as well. Chair Weber reported he also supported the variance request. Commissioner Wicklund asked if there were any Commissioners that had concerns regarding requiring screening from Norma Avenue. Chair Weber stated he was not concerned about screening a well-kept house. He indicated he supported the Planning Commission further discussing the setback requirements for corner lots. Commissioner Erler moved and Commissioner Mitchell seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 24-008 for a Variance at 1511 Dawn Circle based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the May 8, 2024, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Chair Weber reported for Council Liaison Rousseau that the Commission and Committees picnic was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 16 at Cummings Park. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Commissioner Bjorklund suggested the Commission consider zoning actions to assist with increasing affordable housing in Arden Hills and reviewed several suggestions with the Commission. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2024 4 ADJOURN Commissioner Mitchell moved, seconded by Commissioner Bjorklund, to adjourn the May 8, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:12 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).