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<br />John Torgerson, applicant, stated that the house could not be built up, but rather <br />had to be expanded horizontally because of the uncertainty of the roof and <br />foundation strength. <br /> <br />Member WaU stated the application is premature. <br /> <br />Ann Frans, representing John Torgerson from ReMax Realty, stated the house has <br />been for sale for 2 years and that the house is less than 600 sq. ft, in size. Member <br />Harms stated the current proposal is a good idea to correct a bad problem. <br /> <br />Chairman Wietecki stated that the project is compatible with the existing <br />neighborhood and that the setback would be similar. Member Sandstrom asked if <br />this variance would create a structure which has more value in the addition than <br />exists on the site currently. <br /> <br />Rick Jobke defined and clarified the non-conforming language of Section 11 ofthe <br />Code. <br /> <br />Member Thomas stated the hardship for this project is a transition from an old <br />seasonal cabin to a year-round home requiring a variance. Member Sandstrom <br />stated that the rationale in the Ordinance was to allow the city the ability to <br />combine lots to create more valuable property, Member Harms stated that the <br />cost of combining properties in this area was prohibitive. <br /> <br />There was no public comment. Chairman Wietecki closed the public hearing. <br /> <br />MOTION: Member Harms moved, seconded by Member Thomas, to offer the <br />following findings and recommendations: <br /> <br />Whereas, the front yard setback of the Torgerson house is setback from a railroad <br />right-of-way and not a public road, and has little impact on the driving public, and <br /> <br />Whereas, the existing cabin is small, not liveable by current standards, and <br /> <br />Whereas, houses in the neighborhood have similar setbacks from the railroad <br />right-of-way, <br /> <br />Now, Therefore, be it resolved to recommend approval of the John Torgerson 25' <br />foot front yard setback to allow a new garage to set within 5' of the front property <br />line, provided the applicant secures a letter of approval from the existing property <br />owner. <br /> <br />The Commission discussed in detail the criteria for a variance within Section <br />12.040 of the City Code. Member Sandstrom noted that the finding in the motion <br />is that the structure will be in keeping with the surrounding properties. <br />