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Home My WebLink About1992 06-04 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADJUSTMENTS HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992, 5:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Rose Mary Utne, Nan Faust, Lee Johnson, Len Olson MEMBERS ABSENT: John Palmer I.. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Johnson moved approval of the April 2 1992, meeting minutes. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-92-27 Scott and Carrie Bloom 6610 Normandale Boulevard The West 295 feet of the East 417 feet of the South 200 feet of the North 430 feet of Government Lot 3, 84, T116, R21 Request: A 20 foot front yard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject home is located along the west service road of.Highway 100. The applicant is hoping to convert the existing two stall attached garage into living area and add a new side loading attached garage to the front of the existing home. In addition to the garage expansion, the applicant is also proposing an extensive remodel of the home. Ms. Aaker pointed out the applicants indicate a number of conditions and circumstances present that demonstrate their rationale for building in the front yard area, which are referenced below: * Because of the visual and acoustical impact of Highway 100, non -living space (the garage) provides a barrier between the living areas and the freeway. * The 90 foot frontyard setback of the property located at 6220 Skews the average that would otherwise be approximately ± 50 feet. * The freeway divides Normandale such that the addition will not effect residences on the other side of the street. * Consideration and a variance for setback from the service road have been granted in the past. * Adjacent impacted property owners support the request. Ms. Aaker said in her opinion it appears there are number of possibilities that might be considered by the applicant to reduce the amount of variance or eliminate it all together. The addition could be redesigned to be completely within the rear yard area. The lot is nearly an acre and provides ample buildable area for building expansion. Ms. Aaker concluded staff recognizes the advantages of preserving the rearyard area for private enjoyment and acknowledges the rationale for wanting to buffer the bedroom areas from Highway 100. It is evident however, that the applicant's objectives can be accomplished without a variance or with a reduction in the variance required. Staff cannot support the plan as submitted to provide a 44 foot frontyard setback. Staff acknowledges that a 50 foot frontyard setback is reasonable given the majority of front yard setbacks occurring along the block therefore, a 14 foot frontyard setback variance could be supported. Staff would recommend that any approval be subject to the use of and matching materials. Mrs. Bloom, proponent, and Mr. Todd Willmert, architect were present. Mr. Willmert addressed the board and informed them he is in agreement that there are a number of alternatives that could be constructed that would eliminate the variances, but in his professional opinion what is presented is superior, and would not negatively impact the character and symmetry of the neighborhood. Mr. Willmert added that the immediate neighbors support the proposed as presented this evening and submitted letters in support of this request. Mr. Olson noted that the rear yard is large with adequate space, and questioned if they considered constructing out the rear. Ms. Bloom explained to Mr. Olson that his observation is correct, the rear yard is large, but if construction were go to the rear large trees would have to be removed, and a large part of the yard would be lost. She pointed out their intent is to maintain this area for outdoor living since it is farther from the highway. Mr. Willmert noted the garage as proposed would muffle the sound from Highway 100 if the frontyard setback variance were 2 approved. Mrs. Utne noted that this area is very unique with many mature oak trees. Continuing, Mrs. Utne observed that the frontyard setbacks along the block contain a variety of setbacks which should be taken into consideration as we review this proposal. Mr. Johnson said that while he agrees the plan as presented makes the most sense, he would like to see the mass broken up from the street, especially the wall of the proposed garage. Continuing, Mr. Johnson said in Edina they as a board attempt to maintain the integrity of the streetscape. He explained if windows and additional vegetation were added any negative impact would be softened. Mr. Johnson concluded that in his opinion he would like to have the garage wall constructed to look more like a house. Mr. said he can understand the request to soften the impact of the garage addition. Mr. Johnson noted that the impact of the addition will not be as noticeable because of the curve in the road. He added maintaining the frontyard setback is very important but observed it is more noticeable on the straight street. Mrs. Faust said in her opinion the highway is a hardship and the plans presented represent a good building solution that will help with noise reduction. Mr. Johnson moved approval subject to staff review and approval of a modified landscaping plan with emphasis on constructing the garage addition to resemble the house, and subject to the additions being constructed with matching materials. B-92-28 Steve and Valerie Bryan 7301 Schey Drive Lot 4, Block 3, Schey's Parkview 3rd Addition Request: A 4.25 foot front yard setback variance Ms. Aaker told the Board the subject property consists of a single family home with attached garage which is located on the east side of Schey Drive. The lot slopes considerably with the Schey Drive right of way at a much lower elevation than the home which was designed to nestle into the hill. Along the front facade of the home there is a shallow 4'-6" elevated "walkway" deck which the proponent is hoping to add a 2 foot cantilevered addition to provide for seating area. 3 Ms. Aaker concluded staff could support the request based on the following findings: 1. The request is minimal and would have no visual impact. 2. The site is limited due to topography and existing conditions. The proponent Ms. Bryan was present. Mrs. Faust observed that there is a mixture of housing types and styles within this neighborhood and the dense vegetation makes it almost impossible to view the proposed addition. Mrs. Faust moved variance approval. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-92-29 Mr. Richard Giertsed 5301 Oaklawn Avenue Lot 20, Block 6, South Harriet Park Zoning: R -i Request: A 9.5 foot sidestreet setback variance Ms. Aaker reported the subject property consists of a brick 1 1/2 story single family home located on the southeast corner of Oaklawn Avenue and West 53rd Street. The applicants are proposing an extensive remodel of the home to include the conversion of the existing attached garage into a kitchen, dinette, dining room, and entry. The plan includes the addition of a new attached two stall garage east of the existing garage. New living area is also proposed above the existing and new garage areas. The plan as submitted conforms to all ordinance requirements with the exception of side street setback. The ordinance requires a minimum 20 foot side street setback. The plan provides a 10.5 foot sidestreet setback. Ms. Aaker concluded staff is supportive of the improvements to the home and acknowledges the limitations of a narrow corner lot. Staff recommends approval of the request subject to the use of matching materials. The proponent, Mr. Giertsed was present Mr. Giertsed submitted a letter from neighbors in support of the proposal. Continuing, Mr. Giertsed explained that their goal 4 was to construct an addition that would be compatible with the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson asked the proponent to note when the addition is completed the city has an ordinance that stipulates that vehicles must be parked on the driveway 15 feet from the curb, which you will not be able to comply with. Concluding, Mr. Johnson pointed out the city enforces this ordinance on a complaint basis and he wanted him to be aware that parking overnight on the driveway would not be in compliance. Mr. Giertsed said he was made aware of the ordinance and believes it will not be a problem. Mr. Johnson commented that he would also like to see some relief in the 43 feet of building mass. This could be accomplished with windows and landscaping. Mr. Olson moved variance approval subject to staff conditions and that materials are to match the existing dwelling. Noting the ordinance requires that vehicles which are parked in the driveway must be 5 feet from the side lot line and 15 feet from the curb. Mrs. Faust seconded the motion. All vote aye; motion carried. III. NEXT NEETING DATE: June 18, 1992 IV. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. �r rte} �1•�r]t�i.�� RW -i Hoogenakker 5