HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 01-08 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD
HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1998
5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chair, David Runyan; Geof Workinger and
Charles Ingwalson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rose Mary Utne, William Skallerud
STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the regular meeting of November 6, 1997 were filed as
submitted.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
B-98-1 Robert and Linda Westenberg
4804 East Sunnyslope Road
Lot 2, Block 1, Country Club District
Sunnyslope Section
Request: A 1 foot frontyard setback variance
Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of
East Sunnyslope Road consisting of a rambler with a tuck -under two car garage. The
homeowners are proposing a dramatic redesign of the home to include a large addition
to the south and back side of the home. Part of the remodeling includes an extension
of the covered front stoop to include a support column. The porch extension will
overlap into the frontyard setback area by one foot.
Ms. Aaker explained the front entry porch is an extension of the existing
overhang. The proposal will not add to the front face of the home, it will instead extend
to the side of the stoop.
Ms. Aaker pointed out the lots along East Sunnyslope Road vary in size and
shape as do the homes located on them. Placement of the homes coordinate with the
angle of the street and site topography, therefore frontyard setback consistency is not
apparent. It would appear that a one foot variance for the corner of the new front entry
would have little if any impact on the streetscape and that it would actually enhance the
appearance of the new facade.
Ms. Aaker concluded staff supports the request subject to the front entry
remaining unenclosed.
The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Westenberg were present to respond to questions
from the Board.
Mr. Workinger asked Ms. Aaker what the elevation of the house is from the
street. Ms. Aaker said the house is five feet above street level.
Mr. Ingwalson said he does not have a problem with the variance request if the
proposed front entryway remains unenclosed.
Mr. Westenberg stated there are no plans to enclose the proposed entryway.
Mr. Workinger moved variance approval subject to the condition that the
entryway remain unenclosed. Mr. Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye;
motion carried.
B-98-2 Mike and Laurie Spencer
6737 Indian Way West
Lot 4, Block 1, Indian Hills West
Request: A 15 foot setback variance from an addition
adjacent to a pond
Ms. Aaker told Members of the Board the subject property is located along
Indian Way West cul-de-sac consisting of a two story home backing up to a ponding
area. The homeowners are hoping to add onto the back side of their home to the main
level with a full basement underneath. The Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum 50
foot setback from a lake, pond, or stream. The addition would provide a 35 foot
setback to the pond.
The Zoning Ordinance was amended in August of 1992 changing the setback
requirement from 25 feet to 50 feet for structures adjacent to a waterbody. The subject
home was built in May 1992 prior to the change in Ordinance requirements. If built
under the old rules, the addition would not have required a variance.
Ms. Aaker pointed out in general most properties have the ability for adding to
the home in the rearyard, but because of the 50 foot setback from the pond and the
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required setback from interior sideyards and frontyard, the home has limited expansion
potential.
Ms. Aaker concluded the setbacks imposed upon the lot restrict expansion
potential, and staff supports the request as submitted.
The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer were present.
Commissioner Ingwalson asked Mr. and Mrs. Spencer if they ever experienced
any problems with flooding or seepage into the lower level of their house. Mr. Spencer
said to date the house has not suffered any water damage.
Ms. Aaker interjected currently the pond is an "enhanced pond" able to contain a
larger volume of water run-off as the result of the subdivision of Indian Way West. The
pond also contains "bubblers" , and is not considered pristine.
A discussion ensued with members in agreement there is a development
hardship that affects properties around the pond, noting the pond has been enhanced
to support a larger volume water run-off.
Commissioner Ingwalson moved variance approval subject to staff conditions.
Commissioner Workinger seconded the motion, noting the Outlot status of the pond.
All voted aye; motion carried.
III. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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