HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-17 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL,
HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 17,2007
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. in the Community Room of Edina
City Hall. Answering rollcall were: Members Bennett, Housh, Masica, Swenson and Mayor
Hovland. Present from the Planning Commission were: Members Brown, Forrest, Grabiel,
Risser,Scherer and Chair Lonsbury. Staff present included: Gordon Hughes,City Manager;
Roger Knutson, City Attorney; Cary Teague, Planning Director; Kris Aaker, Assistant
Planner; Steve Kirchman, Building Official; Jennifer Bennerotte, Marketing &
Communications Director; and Debra Mangen,City Clerk.
Director Teague reviewed the changes proposed in an ordinance amendment drafted
following the Council's Study Session as follows:
• Height - Building height would be measured from existing grade, to prevent
builders from filling in around a foundation to meet the height requirement.
Additionally, the average elevation would be used, rather than just the front
elevation to take into account sloping lots.
• Side yard setback - Side yard setback would employ a sliding scale of setback
requirements based on lot width. This would slightly increase the separation
between houses.
• Exceptions - Eliminate bay window that don't extend to the ground level from
setback exceptions. This would combat the issue of allowing three feet of building
into the setback if the wall is brought in at ground level.
Mr. Teague said that staff had reviewed thirteen recently approved house plans and
applied the proposed ordinance amendments. He reported that in several instances the
plans would have needed revision to either reduce height or increase setback.
The Council, Planning Commission and staff discussed the issues surrounding massing and
possible solutions including using some type of floor area ratio limit, reducing allowable
height, and increasing setbacks. The discussion included the methodology of measuring
height, the practice of increasing the property's elevation before an addition or new
construction takes place, architectural elements that extend into the setback, how to balance
the interest of the property owner and the impact on the neighbors, driveways and
driveway placement, impervious surfaces, utilizing some type of conditional use permit,
sustainable design and a time frame for hearing any proposed ordinance amendments.
Staff was directed to prepare an ordinance amendment covering building height,
exceptions to setbacks and minimum setbacks. Further research was determined to be
necessary on grade issues, and architectural issues such as turrets and garage setbacks.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:50 P.M.
Re spectfully submitted,
Debra Manaen,C Clerk