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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 08-19 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 1993 5:30 P.M., EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Helen McClelland, David Byron, Geof Workinger MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Patton, Mike Lewis STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Workinger moved approval of the July 15, 1993, meeting minutes. Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-93-29 Kurt and Margaret Winters 4504 Moorland Avenue Lot 15, Block 5, Country Club District, Browndale Section Request: A two foot sideyard setback variance to partially enclose a side entry Ms. Aaker told the board the subject property is located on the west side of Moorland Avenue within the historic country club district. The home is a two story english cottage style home that was built in 1929. The homeowners have recently purchased the home and are hoping to enclose a portion of their side entry as part of an extensive remodel to the interior of the building. Ms. Aaker concluded that staff supports the submitted request subject to the use of matching materials to the existing house. A brief discussion ensued with board members in agreement that the proposed enclosure of the side entry would not have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Workinger moved approval of the variance request. Mr. Byron seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-93-30 Janet Hamilton 4637 West 56th Street Lot 10, Block 3, Subdivision, Little Park Request: A two foot sidestreet setback variance for a side entry. A 10 foot sidestreet setback variance for the addition of a potting shed Ms. Aaker explained the subject property is located in the southeast corner of Concord Avenue and West 56th Street. The property consists of a story and one half cape cod style home. The proponent is hoping to add a side entry to the home between the existing home and an existing single stall garage. The homeowner is also proposing to add a potting shed/green house to the back of the single stall garage. Ms. Aaker concluded that staff supports the request subject to the use of matching materials on the additions. The proponent Ms. Hamilton was present. Mrs. McClelland said she has a concern with the proposed connection between the house and garage. Another concern is that in the future the garage could be converted into living space. Mrs. McClelland observed at present the lot looks as if it is at maximum capacity. Mr. Byron asked the proponent the dimensions of the potting shed. Ms. Hamilton stated the potting shed is 4' X 81. Mrs. McClelland questioned if the common garage wall would be removed. Ms. Hamilton said the common wall would be removed. Mr. Workinger pointed out in his opinion the potting shed is not placed in the best location. He added if you are sharing a wall with the garage, and putting a hole in that wall, the hot house effect may be lost. Mr. Byron questioned how long the two car garage has been on the site. Ms. Hamilton stated the two garage has been on this site for 18 years. Mr. Byron asked if the garage floor was going to be resurfaced. Ms. Hamilton explained that the garage floor will be resurfaced and it is her understanding that footings must be added if we are allowed to attached the garage to the house. Ms. Aaker explained our ordinance states that you can maintain any repair existing conditions but any change, such as attaching the garage to living area requires footings. Mr. Byron noted he also has a concern that if the garage is allowed to be attached it may easily be turned into living area. Mrs. McClelland said on a lot this size three garages appear to be too many. Mrs. McClelland questioned Ms. Hamilton if she realizes how expensive it is to put footings under an existing garage. Continuing, Mrs. McClelland said if a decision is made to go with attaching the garage to the house she does not want to see the wall removed. Mr. Byron agreed, he said leaving the wall as is maintains the integrity of the garage. Ms. Hamilton said she has not studied the cost of placing footings under the existing garage, and told the board she has no desire to convert the garage into living space. The garage would be used as storage for lawn equipment, and gardening equipment. Mrs. McClelland suggested that this item be held over allowing the proponent time to reconsider the proposal. Mr. Byron moved to table the variance request allowing the proponent time to reconsider her options. Mr. Workinger seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-93-31 Scott A. Weight 5608 Concord Avenue South Lot 15, Block 4, Golf Terrace Heights lst Addition Request: A three foot sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker told informed the board the subject property is located on the west side of Concord Avenue between West 56th Street and Southview Lane. The home is a multi-level structure with a tuckunder garage built in 1949. The homeowners are hoping to add onto the existing family room/porch located in the southwest corner of the building. Ms. Aaker explained the proponents would like to add a 712" X 12' addition to the family room/porch to "fill in the gap" between the existing family room/porch and front building wall. The existing room is located seven feet from the side property boundary. Extension of the south building wall would require a three foot variance to accomplish the expansion. Ms. Aaker concluded based on the aforementioned findings, staff supports the submitted request and recommends any approval be subject to use of matching materials on the new addition. The proponent, Mr. Weight was present. Commissioner Workinger questioned the distance between the proponent's house and.the most impacted neighbor. Ms. Aaker said the distance is approximately 17 feet. Mr. Byron moved approval of the variance subject to the conditions that the materials used on the addition match the existing dwelling, and noting the addition does not reduce/add to the nonconforming existing setback. Mr. Workinger seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-93-32 Paul R. Scoggin 4610 Arden Avenue Lot 6, Block 10, Country Club District Fairway Section of Edina Request: An 8 inch frontyard setback variance for an addition of a front entry Ms. Aaker informed the board the subject property is located on the west side of Arden Avenue within the historic country club district. The home is a two story American Colonial Revival style home built in 1941. The homeowners have submitted a setback variance request to allow a front entry vestibule. Ms. Aaker explained the property owners have indicated that the front of their home is nearly flat with no shelter over the front stoop The proponents are trying to accomplish a vestibule to provide some protection from the elements. The vestibule consists of shingled roof with supporting posts. Ms. Aaker concluded staff acknowledges the proponents desire for a vestibule and believes that the design compliments the architectural character of the home. Staff supports the request as submitted. Mr. Scoggin, proponent was present. Mr. Workinger moved approval subject to the conditions that materials match the existing dwelling, and the overhang remains unenclosed. Mr. Byron seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-93-33 Paul F. And Renee V. Resberg 5712 Newport Drive Edina, MN 55436 Lot 5, Block 1, Parkwood Knolls 16th Addition Request: Variance for a roof mount satellite dish antenna with approximate height of 20 feet Ms. Aaker told the board the subject property is located on the west side of Newport Drive between Stauder Circle and Biscayne Boulevard. The home is a one story rambler with a three car garage built in 1969. The property is the location of a number of tall trees, and the neighborhood in general is quite heavily wooded. The homeowners are proposing to install a 10 foot diameter mesh satellite dish to be mounted on the southwest corner of the garage. The satellite dish installation will be approximately 20 feet from grade to the top of the dish antenna. Ms. Aaker concluded staff supports the requested variance based on the hardships present and difficulty with which satellite dish antennae can be pointed to receive signals. The proponent, Mr. Reesberg was present. Mrs. McClelland noted it appears that recently we have heard a number of variances requests for dishes of this type and size. Continuing, Mrs. McClelland stated she thought the industry was producing smaller dishes to receive the needed signals. Mr. Aufderheide explained smaller dishes are new technology, but they have limitations. The limitation is these smaller dishes only receive signals from one satellite, while most people what to receive signals from as many satellite's as possible. Mr. Workinger asked Ms. Aaker if there were no trees on this property would they be able to place the dish in a conforming location. Ms. Aaker responded that is true, trees block the signals from satellites. Mr. Workinger stated he understands the requirements of the FCC, and that the city's hands are tied regarding these dishes, but he does not like them. Mr. Workinger said he is against dishes of this size being located on the roofs of homes in the city. Mr. Byron noted that for the record, it is hard when one is asked to make a decision they have to only rely on the dish installers as the experts in this field. Mr. Byron asked Mr. Aufderheide if he has installed dishes in the community in legally conforming locations. Mr. Aufderheide said he has installed dishes in Edina that legally conform to ordinance requirements. Mr. Aufderheide noted that 30% of the dishes have been erected on the roof of a house or garage. Mrs. McClelland stated she also has a problem with these dishes, but pointed out our hands are tied because of the. requirements imposed by the FCC. Mr. Byron moved variance approval. Mr. Workinger seconded the motion. Ayes; McClelland, Byron. Nays; Workinger. Motion carried. Mr. Workinger asked the board to note that he does not feel trees are hardships, they can be removed, and many single family home lots in Edina have a number of trees on them. Mr. Workinger said in his opinion dish antennas are an intrusion to those who have to look at them. Mr. Workinger stated he objects to being subjected to viewing these dishes. Mr. Byron added he also has a concern for our community. He said he finds these dishes offensive. Mr. Byron said a message should be sent to developers of dishes, and installers that new technology should be studied to reduce the size, and impact of these dishes. Mr. Byron pointed out that as technology advances it may also be possible to see larger dishes in the future. Which is unacceptable. Mrs. McClelland agreed that pressure should be put on dish developers, and the FCC to be responsive to concerns of cities regarding these dishes. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. 5XV R-MIROn%k-1 kie akketJ