2025-05-06 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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During this two decade time period, I also noted 5 variance requests approved for "hardship," "practical difficulties," or "unique property," as is asserted in the 1421 Mound Trail proposal. These are highlighted in Green on the supporting document. Of these approved variances: 4 of 5 approvals resulted from actions outside the applicant's control, i.e., caused by the City or County, and which were not present when the homeowner purchased the property. For example, the addition of a City Trail in a yard. The other approval was for a situation which existed upon purchase; however, it was for a property with no residential neighbors. ALL approvals assessed the impact on neighboring properties and ensured the project did not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. At the same time, many similar proposals were denied citing: Commission consensus to not set precedent Variance was in opposition to Code Applicant was not being denied reasonable use of the property without the variance Applicant purchased the property with the "hardship" in place Neighbor opposition due to several above factors Given the outcomes of previous variance requests, approval of the 1421 Mound Trail project would be a significant departure from past Commission decisions, as well as in opposition to the Zoning Code as written at both the City and State level. Violates Common Practice and Diminishes Property Value There are communities which define lakeshore homes as having their "front" yards facing the lake and "rear" yards as those between the structure and the street. However: In all communities contacted, this definition is applied where properties are aligned, i.e, all properties in the vicinity have the lake on one side and the street on the other. In this case, 1407 Mound Trail is not on the lake while 1421 Mound Trail is, and direct next door neighbors would have different definitions of front and rear yards. Minnesota cities that define lakeshore properties as having their "rear" yards between the main structure and the street limit accessory structures in these areas to garages and storage sheds. Swimming pools are expressly prohibited from being built between the main structure and the street. Swimming pools are not allowed in viewable yards as they are widely regarded as having a negative impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property values. In defining the Centerville Zoning Code, Commissioner Wood stated, "from a real estate perspective, pools actually devalue property." (P&Z Meeting Minutes 6/6/2006). As this project would be built in a yard directly abutting 1407 Mound Trail home, it would devalue this neighboring property as well. 5 49