HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 09-03 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,1998,5:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL MANAGERS CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, David Runyan, Rose Mary Utne, Charles Ingwalson
MEMBERS ABSENT: William Skallerud and Don Patton
STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker
1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the July 9, 1998, meeting were filed as submitted.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
B-98-40 Alfred J. Wendt
7401 West Shore Drive
Lot 4, Block 4, Lake Edina 3rd Addition
Request: A 2 foot sidestreet/frontstreet setback variance
Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located in the southeast
corner of West Shore Drive and Hibiscus Avenue consisting of a rambler with an attached
two car garage. The homeowner is proposing to add a bay window to the north wall of the
home that will extend two feet into the sidestreet/frontyard area north of the home. The
Zoning Ordinance requires that bay windows extending to the floor must respect setback
requirements.
Ms. Aaker explained the homeowner's contractor applied for a building permit to
add a 2 X 7.6 foot bay window with cantilevered floor area that would not extend past the
existing overhang of the building. The homeowners and their builder were unaware that a
bay window would require a variance if it stayed behind the edge of the overhang.
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The bay window would have little if any impact on adjacent properties, and is
minimal in scope and scale.
Ms. Aaker concluded Staff is supportive of the request and recommends approval.
The proponent, Mr. Wendt was present to respond to questions.
Mr. Wendt told the Board, in his opinion, the introduction of a bay window on that
side of the house will approve the appearance of the building wall by breaking up a very
flat wall.
Mr. Runyan stated he agrees. He observed that side of the house is very flat, and
the addition of the bay window will relieve the starkness of that building wall.
Mr. Ingwalson interjected, stating he agrees with the observations. He pointed out
the wall is long, and blank, adding the proposed bay window will add interest.
Mr. Wendt informed the Board additional landscaping will be added along that side
of the home, to tie in with the proposed re -landscaping of the yard.
Mrs. Utne moved variance approval subject to the plans presented. Mr. Ingwalson
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
B-98-41 Leonard J. Slade and Jane A. Slade
4904 Maple Road
All of lots 13, except the north 4.6 feet thereof and
the north 3.1 feet of Lot 14, Block 3, "South White
Oaks Addition" according to the map or plat of
record
Request: A 2.08 foot frontyard setback variance
Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of
Maple Road consisting of a two story colonial style home with an attached garage. The
homeowners are proposing to add a front overhang with posts to the front steps of the
home.
-Ms. Aaker pointed out the homeowners are aware of at least two similar additions
on the block that have been accomplished. The proponent had received public hearing
notices for variances to achieve those additions. The homeowners had believed that their
addition actually required a deeper variance, however, because the front door is recessed
behind than the front wall of the garage only a two foot variance is required.
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Ms. Aaker explained the Ordinance requires that overhangs supported by posts or
pillars must maintain the setback of the neighbors on either side. The subject addition
would not go beyond the existing steps.
Ms. Aaker concluded the proposal would have minimal impact on the streetscape
and will greatly enhance the property. Staff supports the request as submitted.
The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Slade were present.
Mr. Ingwalson noted the Board has reviewed and acted on several similar requests
for covered entryways, adding he can support the variance request as presented subject to
it remaining unenclosed.
Mr. Ingwalson moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, and that the
front stoop remain unenclosed. Mrs. Utne seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion
carried.
B-98-42 Janet Lockhart Farnan
6908 Cornelia Drive
Lots 17 & 18, Block 1, Southdale Ist Addition
Request: A 36 foot setback variance from a pond edge
Ms. Aaker told the Board the subject property is located on the west side of Cornelia
Drive consisting of a one story rambler that backs up to a pond. The pond is located
entirely on the homeowners property with a small portion of Lake Cornelia also
overlapping the subject lot. The homeowner would like to add a deck to the back of the
home off of the kitchen area with approximate dimensions of 12 X 20 feet. The home is a
walkout so the deck will be elevated to the main level on posts.
Ms. Aaker explained the homeowner has indicated that the deck allows grill access
from the kitchen and would provide stairs down to the backyard. The Zoning Ordinance
requires a minimum 50 foot setback from any lake, pond, or stream. The water body is a
pond and not part of Lake Cornelia otherwise the setback requirement would be 75 feet. It
should be noted that prior to 1992, the setback requirement from the pond was 25 feet for
principal structures and five feet for accessory structures such as a deck.
Ms. Aaker concluded the property is limited in terms of improvements that can be
accomplished. The proposed improvement is a deck on posts that would have little if any
impact on the pond. Staff supports the request as submitted.
The proponent, Ms. Farnam was present.
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Mr. Ingwalson asked Ms. Aaker for clarification on the setback variance. Ms. Aaker
explained the DNR has mandated a minimum setback from waterbodies of 50 feet. This
setback was adopted by the City in 1992. Before 1992 the City required a 25 foot setback
from waterbodies.
Ms. Farnam submitted to the Board a letter of support from the most impacted
neighbor.
Mr. Ingwalson commented because of the configuration of pond the site does not
have the ability to expand without requiring a variance. Ms. Aaker stated that is correct.
Mr. Ingwalson moved variance approval subject to the plans submitted and the use
of matching materials. Mrs. Utne seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
III. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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