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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 04-03 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 3,1997,5:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairperson Mike Lewis, John Lonsbury and Don Patton MEMBERS ABSENT: Rose Mary Utne, Meg Mannix STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the February 6, 1997 meeting were filed as submitted. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-97-7 James and Mary Lany 5925 Drew Avenue South Request: A 3.9 foot south side setback variance Ms. Aaker presented her staff report noting the front facade of the home will not change nor will a higher pitched roof be introduced. The homeowner is planning to use matching materials on the addition. Ms. Aaker concluded staff recommends approval of the project subject to the plans presented. The proponent. Mr. Lany was present. Mr. Lany said their reason for the expansion is because they enjoy their neighborhood, adding their home really needs an additional bathroom. He pointed out their goal is to upgrade their home, and bring it into the 1990's. Concluding, Mr. Lany said in his opinion any impact will be minimal, reiterating they really need the additional bathroom and bedroom. Mr. Lonsbury said he agrees with the proponent that impact is minimal, and it is important in the 1990's to have that extra bathroom. Mr. Lonsbury said he can support the proposal subject to the use of matching materials and subject to the plans presented. Mr. Lonsbury moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, and the use of matching materials. Mr. Patton seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-97-8 Robert and Cynthia Murray 6524 Scandia Road Request: A 7 foot sidestreet setback variance for a garage addition Ms. Aaker informed the Board the home is a corner lot facing south, and the homeowners are hoping to increase their two car garage to a three car garage. The homeowners have indicated they intend to use consistent and matching materials. Ms. Aaker concluded spacing between the new garage stall and the house to the north is generous, and would not affect the adjacent home. Ms. Aaker concluded the addition could be reduced in width, bit it does not appear that any building area reduction would significantly reduce the impact. Mr. and Mrs. Murray, proponents were present. Mr. Murray said presently they are a three vehicle family, and do not like the idea of having to leave a vehicle parked in the driveway. Mr. Lonsbury asked if the retaining wall, and existing landscaping would be replaced. Mr. Murray said after the third stall is erected, the wall and landscaping will be replaced to match the existing vegetation. Mr. Patton moved to variance approval subject to the plans presented, the use of matching materials, and the replacement of landscaping. Mr. Lonsbury seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-97-10 Ruth and Steve Bendson 5624 Chowen Avenue Request: A 4 inch south sideyard setback variance for a garage expansion and a 1.5 foot north sideyard setback variance due to building height exceeding 15 feet. Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of Chowen Avenue and is a two story home with an attached two car garage. The homeowners have planned a number of additions to the home including a front and rear expansion of the garage and an expansion of their first floor family room in include a second story above. Ms. Aaker concluded staff is supportive of the south sideyard setback variance for the garage addition, and can support a second story addition, however, would recommend some modification to the north building wall or suggest the introduction of landscaping along the north lot line. The proponents Mr. and Mrs. Bendson were present to respond to questions. Mr. John Kosmos, architect was also present. Mr. Kosmos stated the home will be re -sided with cedar siding, and it is possible to add a window in the hall of the second story to help break up the mass of the building wall. Continuing, Mr. Kosmos responded he purposely kept the roof as low as possible to reduce mass. Regarding landscaping, Mr. Kosmos informed Board Members the homeowners plan to plant lilac bushes along the north lot line. Mr. Kosmos added it has been difficult in the past to grow anything along the north side of the home, but it is believed lilacs will work well. Mr. Lonsbury observed this proposal is aggressive, adding he is comfortable with the concept, and with the support of the most impacted neighbors can support the project if everything is constructed as depicted on the plans, with the addition of landscaping along the north and placement of a window. Mr. Patton agreed, he said a good job has been accomplished to create a livable house while keeping the massing down. , Mr. Patton moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, subject to the use of matching materials throughout the project, a landscaping plan is to be reviewed and approved by planning staff on the north side of the property, and a window added to the second story. Mr. Lonsbury seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.