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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 10-05 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1995 5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Rose Mary Utne, Len Olson, Nan Faust, Ann Swenson STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker L APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes of the August 3, 1995, meeting were filed as submitted H. OLD BUSINESS: B-95-41 Marda Winnick 5325 Woodcrest Drive Request: A 6.8 foot sideyard setback variance for building height Ms. Aaker explained at their September 21, 1995, meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the above mentioned request. A board member moved for variance approval, the motion failed on a split 2-2 vote (two in favor and two opposed). The board allowed the applicant to continue the request to another hearing. Ms. Aaker concluded staff supports the variance request subject to the use of matching materials and subject to the plans submitted. Ms. Winnick was present to respond to questions. Mrs. Utne said she visited the area and found that very similar conditions exist for some property owners in the vicinity. Mrs. Faust added she also visited the site, and in her opinion the proposed addition would tower over the house next door as mentioned by the previous board. Ms. Winnick explained the most impacted neighbor has indicated their support for the addition, adding a majority of the neighbors have indicated to her that they never liked the flat roof. Concluding, Ms. Winnick said the proposed addition changes the roof line to match the house, and is in keeping with the character of the house. Mrs. Clemetson, 5427 Woodcrest Drive told the board she is the most impacted neighbor and Minutes of the Zoning Board Page 2 December 1, 1995 reiterated that she supports the proposal, and has never liked the existing flat roof. Mrs. Faust said her concern is with the building mass, and wall length, and asked if it would be a problem to install windows in the garage to break up the mass. Ms. Winnick said it would not be a problem to add windows to the garage wall. Mrs. Faust interjected that she would like to see good casement windows added with grid work to match the existing house. Mrs. Utne acknowledged that the addition will be higher than what is existing, but in her opinion altering the flat roof is an aesthetic improvement. Mrs. Swenson interjected that she believes she addition will visually impact the neighborhood. Neighbors will notice the change. Mrs. Faust moved variance approval subject to the plans presented with. the following conditions; 1) addition of two casement windows installed in the garage wall, and 2)the use of matching materials, both roof and siding. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-95-35 Lee S. Chapman 7032 Wexford _ Lot 2, Block 1, Griffith, Addition Zoning: R-1 Request: A 2.16 foot sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located at the very end of Wexford Road cul-de-sac and consists of a two story walkout home on a 26,855 square foot lot. The homeowner purchased a portion of the lot to the east (9,697 sq. ft.) for the purposes of increasing lot area and to allow for an expansion of the home. The parcel is however bisected just east of the home and west of the new lot portion with a 15 foot wide utility easement. Ms. Aaker concluded given the physical conditions and hardships relating to the site (easement and steep slopes) staff supports the request. The proponent, Mr. Chapman was present to respond to questions. Minutes of the Zoning Board Page 3 December 1, 1995 Mrs. Faust asked Mr. Chapman is the large Oak tree will be removed to accomplish the addition. Mr. Chapman said unfortunately the Oak will be removed. Mr. Olson moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of matching materials. Mrs. Swenson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-9545 Chris and Barb Hayhoe 4211 Morningside Road The west 75 feet of Lots 1 and 2, Grimes Homestead Zoning: R-1 Request: An 8.8 foot sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the southside of Morningside road and consists of a two story stucco house on a 75 X 200 foot lot. The homeowners are hoping to add a two story addition to the back of their home. The homeowners have planned to accomplish a family room and porch on the main level and a master bedroom with bath on the second floor with the basement area to be garage. - " Ms. Aaker concluded that given that the existing rear portion of the house will be completely demolished for all new construction, it would appear that a more conforming solution could be possible. It is evident however that the addition is a logical extension of the existing structure and that it is not uncharacteristic of the neighborhood. Mr. Olson asked if the two trees need to be removed. Mr. Hayhoe said only one tree needs to be removed. Mrs. Swenson asked Mr. Hayhoe the reason for the change in accessing the garage. Mr. Hayhoe said because of the grade change there is really no where else to go on this lot. Mrs. Faust said in reviewing the plans she does not have a problem with this proposal. Mr. Olson asked the year the house was built. Mr. Hayhoe said the house was constructed in 1902. Mrs. Swenson moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, and the use of Minutes of the Zoning Board Page 4 December 1, 1995 matching materials. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-95-46 Kelsey and Patricia Smith 4801 West 44th Street Lot 6, Block 1, Arden Park 3rd Addition Zoning: R-1 Request: A 7.81 foot rearyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located south of West 44th Street and consists of a one story walkout rambler constructed on a 12,245 square foot lot. The lot is 135 feet wide by 90 feet deep, which is shallow compared with the minimum lot depth standard of 128 feet. The proponents are hoping to accomplish a two story addition off of the back of their home. The addition will be 16 feet deep and 40 feet wide. The existing rearyard setback is currently 33 feet. The homeowners are hoping to provide a 17 foot rearyard setback. Ms. Aaker concluded given the pre-existing condition with regard to the shallow lot depth, staff supports the request as submitted subject to the use of matching materials to the existing structure. The proponents Mr. and Mrs. Smith were present. Mrs. Faust asked Mr. and Mrs. Smith what there plans are for the slope. Mr. Smith said all grading will be sloped toward the rear of the property. Mr. Olson asked if the entire deck will be removed. Mr. Smith said they will be maintaining the easterly 12 feet. Mrs. Faust said in viewing the plans it appears the bathroom window will be covered up. Mr. Smith said the bathroom will be rearranged so it will have a window. Mrs. Swenson asked if they will use the same siding materials and roof shingles for the addition. Mr. Smith said the entire roof will be re -shingled and the siding will match. Minutes of the Zoning Board Page 5 December 1, 1995 Mr. Olson moved approval subject to the plans presented and the use of consistent materials. Mrs. Faust seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-95-47 G. Charles Hann 5615 Woodcrest Drive Lot 4, Block 2, Colonial Grove 6th Addition Zoning: R-1 Request: A 398 square foot lot coverage variance Ms. Aaker told the Board the subject property is located east of Woodcrest Drive and south of West 56th Street. The subject home is a two level walkout that backs up to Minnehaha Creek. The property in question is severely non -conforming in terms of lot coverage. The code requires a maximum of up to 30% coverage of the lot area, but not to exceed 2,250 square feet of coverage. Actual lot coverage is 38.8%. The 2,295 square foot house occupies 26.06% of the lot area and the 1,271 square feet of deck (minus the 150 square feet allowable credit per the ordinance) occupies approximately 12.71% of the lot area. The homeowners are hoping to bring the home closer to conforming with the ordinance requirements by reducing the deck area drastically. In addition, the proponents hope to accomplish a 150 square foot addition to the home to provide needed ground floor space for elderly occupants. Ms. Aaker concluded given that the existing conditions were not created by any action of the applicant and given that the addition will considerably reduce the non -conforming situation, staff can support the request. The proponent, Mr. Hann was presented to respond to questions. Mrs. Swenson asked Ms. Aaker if lot coverage is calculated differently for non permanent structures such as a deck Ms. Aaker explained lot coverage is calculated the same for both, but we do give a 150 square foot credit for unenclosed patios and decks. Mrs. Utne said she does not have a problem with the proposal, noting the proposal actually reduces the lot coverage, which is a benefit. Mrs. Faust asked if the addition is one or two story. Mr. Hann said the addition is one story. Minutes of the Zoning Board Page 6 December 1, 1995 Continuing, Mr. Hann said one goal is to achieve a ground level bathroom. Mrs. Swenson questioned if the letter of support for the addition is from the north or south neighbor. Mr. Hann said the neighbor is the north neighbor. Mrs. Swenson asked Mr. Hann if he spoke with the neighbor to the south. Mr. Hann responded the neighbors to the south indicated to him their support. Continuing, Mr. Hann said the most impacted neighbor is to the north. Mrs. Swenson commented she can support the request only if the deck is removed. Mrs. Faust moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, the use of matching materials and removal of the existing deck. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. VK I Ak