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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 12-02 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 1993 5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Rose Mary Utne, Len Olson, Lee Johnson, Nan Faust STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Olson moved approval of the October 1, 1993, meeting minutes. Mrs. Faust seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-93-53 John and Mary Taft 5416 Kellogg Avenue South Lot 5, Block 10, South Harriet Park Request: A .7 foot sideyard setback variance and a 2.28 foot sideyard setback variance for building height of a second story addition Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is a two story home located on the west side of Kellogg Avenue within the South Harriet Park neighborhood. The homeowners are proposing an extensive remodel to include a substantial addition along the back side of the home. The proponents are also planning a 221X 22' detached garage to be located in the southwest corner of the lot. The project includes the conversion of the existing one car garage into a den, powder room and storage closet. The new addition to the home includes a remodeled kitchen, dinette, and mudroom (on the main floor) and the addition of a bedroom and master bedroom with bath on the second floor. Ms. Aaker concluded staff supports the request as submitted. The proponent, Mr. Taft was present to respond to questions. Mr. Johnson explained to the proponent if the proposed roof is replaced with a hip roof the visual impact of the roof would be lessened. Mr. Johnson said a hip roof will also soften the look of the roof line and the mass. Mrs. Faust asked Mr. Taft his time frame for construction. Mr. Taft said they plan to start construction in the spring of 1994. 1 Mrs. Utne told Mr. Taft Mr. Johnson brings up a good point regarding the hip roof. She said in her opinion the impact will be lessened, and a hip roof will enhance the look of the home. Mr. Taft said he never considered a hip roof, adding it is a good idea. . Mr. Olson moved variance approval subject to the condition that materials are to match existing structure, and the suggestion that the proponent considers constructing a hip roof. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-93-54 Robert Waade and Associates/John Carson 6519 Indian Hills Road Lot 1, Block 1, Brennan Addition Request: A 54 foot frontyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located east of Indian Hills Road and west of Navaho Trail within the Indian Hills subdivision. The subject property is currently a vacant lot that was subdivided in the spring of 1992. The Edina Zoning Ordinance requires in an established neighborhood the average setback of existing buildings shall be maintained by all new buildings and the setback shall be no greater than the nearest adjoining principal building. Given the ordinance requirements, a new home on the lot would be required to provide a frontyard setback of 124 feet which would match the setback of the home directly to the north of the subject lot. Ms. Aaker concluded given the topography and degree to setback required staff can support a variance from ordinance requirements. The proponent, Mrs. Larsen was present. Mr. Carson, architect/builder was present. Interested neighbors were present. Mr. Johnson asked if retaining walls will be implemented on the site. Mr. Carson said retaining walls are a possibility, but with grading, and landscaping, retaining walls may not be needed. Continuing, Mr. Carson explained we will have to use our judgement after the foundation is in to determine if retaining walls are needed. Mrs. Utne pointed out the driveway appears to be extreme. Ms. Aaker explained the position of the driveway was suggested at subdivision approval. Mr. Carson interjected that the grade of the lot varies, and the proposed cutback driveway works with the change in grade of this site. K Mr. Johnson said he can support the frontyard setback variance explaining at the time this subdivision received approval it was determined the new lot would need a frontyard setback variance. Mr. Johnson explained he did not support the request to subdivide, adding the proposed house is beautiful, but he is, and was at the time of subdivision approval uncomfortable with the destruction of the slope as a result of construction of a new house. Mr. Roland Amundson, 6425 Indian Hills Road told the Board he would like the meeting postponed because he did not receive notice. Ms. Aaker explained notice of the public hearing is mailed 10 days prior to the meeting. Notices are sent to the property owner(s) of record. Ms. Aaker said if one has recently moved into the neighborhood the notice would go to the past property owner. Mr. Amundson acknowledged he has not been in the home very long. Continuing, Mr. Amundson said he does not support the variance. He added he has a concern that his property will be negatively impacted due to the grading and fill that will occur as a result of construction of the new house. Mr. Amundson stated he also believes the proposed house is too large. Mrs. Lauren O'Connor, 6421 Indian Hills Road, explained she has a concern over the vegetation that will be lost as a result of this proposal. Mrs. O'Connor asked that everything be done to ensure that vegetation loss is minimal. Mr. Johnson said he sympathizes with concerns expressed by the neighbors adding he would like to see a detailed grading plan, and included in that plan the proposed driveway, and curb cut. Mr. Johnson added he also wants to make sure as little vegetation as possible is lost, and that grading, removal of soil, and fill, will be handled appropriately. Mr. Johnson stated the immediate neighbors should have some assurance that when construction begins everything will be done to minimize the impact. Mr. Johnson acknowledged that construction of a new house on this lot will have impact. Mrs. Faust said she agrees with Mr. Johnson's position that before we make a decision on this request we see a grading plan, including a plan that depicts the driveway, and curb cut. Mrs, Faust added she would also like to see some reference to replacement of vegetation that will be lost as a result of this proposal. Mr. Johnson asked the proponent when they would like to begin excavation. Mrs. Larsen said they would like to begin as soon as possible. She added her husband is out of town at present, and could better address that issue, but reiterated they would like to begin construction soon. Mrs. Utne asked Board Members if they believe a more extensive plan is needed to make a decision. Board members indicated to Mrs. Utne they would like to see a more detailed plan. Mrs. Larsen asked when the Board could again meet to consider her request, adding because of weather considerations, and the approaching holidays, meeting as soon as possible would be helpful. Ms. Aaker asked Board Member when they could meet again. It was determined that the Board would meet at 5:30 p.m., on December 15, 1993. Mr. Olson moved to table this issue until December 15, 1994. Mrs. Faust seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Hoogeria eq, 10, 4