HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 02-01 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1996
5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chair, Nan Faust, Ann Swenson, Len Olson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rose Mary Utne
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Mrs. Swenson moved approval of the December 7, 1995, meeting minutes. Mr.
Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
B-96-4 Tim McGlynn/Tom Ellison Architects
6936 Valley View Road
Lot 2, Block 1, Claudia Ridge
Request: A 3.75 foot sideyard setback variance for building height
and a 2.25 foot frontyard setback variance
Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located north of Valley View
Road and just south of Indian Head Lake. The property had been developed with a single
family home with a detached two car garage that was demolished some time after 1992.
The property is currently a vacant lot backing up to Indian Head Lake. The property owner
is hoping to locate a new house on the property.
Ms. Aaker explained the property owner is requesting a west sideyard setback
variance to allow living space closer than the 13.75 feet required due to building height.
The property owner is also hoping to maintain a 30 foot frontyard setback. The average
front street setback for the block is 32.25 feet. The property owner is hoping to maintain
a 30 foot frontyard setback.
Ms. Aaker pointed out in September of 1991, the property received two variances
from the Board of Appeals to allow a 30 foot frontyard setback and a 4.8 foot west sideyard
setback variance to allow alterations to the home that had been located on the property.
The previous request was quite similar to the current request in that the variances were
from the same required setbacks, (frontyard and west sideyard for building height) . The
current proposal is actually in need of a smaller variance to the west sideyard than the
1991 proposal. The current design proposes to breakup the side wall along the western
property boundary by using a combination of roof lines and wall heights. It should be
noted that the walkout nature of the structure increases sidewall building height from the
front to rear of the structure which results in the need for a variance.
Ms. Aaker concluded given the hardship of the topography, mature trees and
minimum 75 foot setback from Indian Head Lake with regard to the lot, staff supports the
request as submitted.
Mr. McGlynn and his architect Mr. Ellis were present to respond to questions.
Mrs. Swenson asked if the proposal will maintain the garage setback at five feet and
living space at ten, with the sideyard setback variance resulting from the height of the
proposed house. Ms. Aaker said that is correct. She added the original house was 4'.8"
from the side property line.
Mr. Olson asked if the majority of trees will be saved. Mr. Ellis responded it is their
intent to save as much of the vegetation as possible, continuing, Mr. Ellis said the footprint
of the proposed house is a little over 3,000 square feet, and the need for a variance is
created in a sense by the topography of the land. Mr. Ellis noted the grade of the land
slopes downward toward the lake, which is another reason for house placement. Mr. Ellis
pointed out the frontyard setbacks along this side of Valley View Road are varied, and
maintaining the 75 foot setback from the ordinary high water mark of Indian Head Lake
forces the house forward.
Board Members were in agreement that the proposed house fits the topography,
acknowledging this lot has difficult characteristics, and the new house appears to be
designed to address those characteristics.
Mr. Olson moved to grant the front and sideyard setback variances. Mrs. Swenson
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
B-96-5 Dennis Leese
5608 Brookview Road
The North 65 feet of Lot 33, Colonial Grove 2nd Addition
Request: A 1 foot sideyard setback variance for overhang support
columns and a 1 foot variance for an overhang
2
Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of
Brookview Avenue and consists of a 1 '/ story single dwelling unit with a detached two car
garage located in the rearyard. The garage is accessed by driveway through a roof
overhang with posts on the north side of the home. The driveway overhang has a set of
columns located at the minimum five foot setback from the north property boundary with
an overhang that provides a three foot setback.
Ms. Aaker explained the homeowners are requesting a variance to allow the
columns of the roof overhang to be moved one foot closer to the sideyard. The request
is to achieve a wider opening between the sidewall of the house and the overhang
columns that would in turn widen the driveway area. The homeowners perception of
existing conditions is that the driveway area underneath the roof overhang is
uncomfortably narrow. The homeowner is requesting a variance to allow an 11 foot
opening instead of the current 10 foot opening between the sidewall of the home and the
support columns.
Ms. Aaker concluded given the limited perceivable difference in setback, staff
supports the request as submitted.
The proponent Mr. Leese was present.
Mrs. Swenson asked Mr. Leese if he believes one foot is enough space to
accomplish their goal. Mr. Leese said he thinks one foot is enough space. Ms. Swenson
said she would be willing to grant a variance up to two feet, just in case it was found the
requested one foot is not enough.
Mrs. Swenson moved variance approval for up to a two foot sideyard setback
variance. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
III. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
U Miamipi
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