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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularREGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1996 5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Nan Faust, Meg Mannix, Len Olson MEMBERS ABSENT: Rose Mary Utne, Ann Swenson STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the February 1, 1996, meeting were filed as submitted. II. NEW BUSINESS B-96-10 Darlene M. Sholtis 5232 West 56th Street The west 13 feet of Lot 10, measured at right angles to the west line thereof, Lot 11, Richmond Hills 3rd Addition Request: A one foot variance to modify an existing porch and a five foot frontyard setback variance for a front entry Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the north side of West 56th Street and just east of Hansen Road. The property consists of a rambler with attached two car garage. The property owner has planned an extensive remodel of the home including an addition to the back of the home, the rebuilding of a screen porch and an enclosed front entry. All of the alterations conform to the Ordinance requirements with the exception of the rebuilding of the porch and the front entry addition. The property owner had applied for a building permit without knowing that variances were required. Ms. Aaker concluded given the proposed porch will be smaller than the existing porch and will therefore be reducing a non -conformity staff supports the sideyard setback variance request. Given that the proposed front entry will be matching the next door neighbor's setback and will not adversely impact the streetscape, staff can support the request. The proponent, Ms. Sholtis was present. Ms. Sholtis told Board Members she believes the house is improved and impact reduced as a result of the revision. She explained the change to the front entry is needed to achieve energy efficiency, and the porch actually reduces the non -conformity of the house. Mr. Olson said in his opinion the front porch also adds character to the house. Mr. Olson moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of like materials. Ms. Mannix seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-96-11 Mark and Mary Swenson 5501 Dever Drive Lot 2, Block 2, Shady Pines Addition Request: A 10.5 foot rearyard setback variance Ms. Aaker reported the subject property is located on the east side of Dever Drive and consist of a one story walk -out home. The property owners have planned a deck expansion into the rearyard area to include a screened porch underneath the deck. The proposed rearyard setback 14.5 feet at the north east corner of the proposed structure and 18.6 feet at the southeast corner of the proposed structure. Ms. Aaker concluded given the hardship of a shallow lot and house placement staff supports the request as submitted. The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Swenson were present. Mrs. Swenson reported to Board Members the neighbor to the immediate south supports the proposal. Ms. Gert Shaw (neighbor to the south) told Board Members the proponents have always maintained their property, and have continually improved it. She added they have always used top grade materials in their improvements, concluding she supports their proposal. Ms. Mannix moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of like materials. Mr. Olson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-96-12 John C. Trautz 4613 Edina Boulevard Lot 7, Block 10, Country Club District, Browndale Request: A two foot rearyard setback variance and an 11 square foot lot coverage variance Ms. Aaker told Board Members the subject property is located on the east side of Edina Boulevard and consists of a two and one half story home. The homeowners are remodeling the interior and have also included the addition of a new screen porch and garage storage expansion. The homeowners submitted for building permit and discovered that two variances are required relating to their project. The project requires a two foot rearyard setback variance for a garage storage area addition that will provide a 23 foot rearyard setback instead of the required 25 feet. The garage storage addition is proposed to match the existing non -conforming rearyard setback of the existing garage. The proposed addition will also increase lot coverage to be 11 square feet over the 25% maximum allowable coverage. Ms. Aaker concluded staff can support the setback variance given the pre-existing non -conforming rearyard setback. Staff cannot however, recommend approval of the lot coverage variance. The proponents Mr. and Mrs. Trautz were present. Mr. Trautz explained at present the existing garage is very small, and needs to be expanded to accommodate needed storage space. Mr. Olson said he can support the two foot variance request, but cannot support the variance request for lot coverage. Mr. Olson asked Mr. Trautz if it would be a problem to eliminate the lot coverage variance. Mr. Trautz said he believes the plan can be revised to eliminate the need for a lot coverage variance by reducing the proposed storage area. Ms. Mannix said she agrees with Mr. Olsons observation, adding she would be worried about setting a precedent if the lot coverage variance were granted. Mr. Olson moved approval of the two foot rearyard setback variance with the condition that the property maintain the required lot coverage, and materials used are compatible with the existing structure. Ms. Mannix seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: IWe ... - -