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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 05-01 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes Regularw91NA, MINUTE SUMMARY Regular Meeting of the Edina Zoning Board ow e to Thursday, May 1, 2008, 5:30 PM o Edina City Hall Council Chambers 4801 West 50th Street 0A.- �� 0 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Vasaly, Scott Davidson, Bernadette Hornig and Nancy Scherer MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Schroeder STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Joyce Repya and Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the March 6, 2008, meeting were filed as submitted. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-08-18 Shea, Inc. /Galleria Shopping Center 3510 Galleria, Edina, MN Request: Monument Sign Setback Variance Ms. Repya addressed the Commission and explained the proposed sign plan for the Galleria demonstrates a replacement of existing monument signs on the four major corners of their site. The signs meet all of the criteria required by the sign ordinance with the exception of the subject setback deficiencies for the two signs abutting France Avenue. Ms. Repya concluded staff recommends approval of a 6.5 foot setback variance for the sign abutting West 69th Street; and a 5.7 foot setback variance for the sign abutting West 70th Street subject to the plans presented and based on the following findings: a. The location of the existing signs which do not meet the required setback. b. The non conforming setback was created by a change in the sign ordinance in 1992, which increased the required setback from 10 to 20 feet. c. In 1992, Hennepin County took land from the subject property to widen the roadway. d. The location of the existing parking lots would make moving the signs to meet the required setbacks impractical. e. Signage would replace the existing signs on the site. f. The signage would be reasonable given the hardship imposed by the change in code, the taking of right-of-way and location of existing parking lots. Ms. Repya stated approval is also based on the following condition: 1) The variance will expire on May 1, 2009, unless the city has Issued a sign permit for the project covered by this variance or approved a time extension. A representative from the Galleria was present to respond to questions from the Board. Member Davidson asked Ms. Repya if the signs comply with clear view. Ms. Repya responded in the affirmative. Chair Vasaly asked Ms. Repya if the new monument signs are larger or smaller than the existing sign. Ms. Repya responded that the City has no data on file of the existing monument signs; however, she believes the proposed new monument signs are smaller. Member Hornig moved variance approval based on staff findings, noting a hardship exists due to land taking to widen France Avenue, noting the proposed monument signs are smaller, and the request is reasonable. Approval is also subject to the staff condition. Member Davidson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-08-19 Absolute Sign 8000 78th Street West, Edina Request: Sign Variance Ms. Repya informed the Board subject property contains a 4 -story office building located on the north side of West 78th Street, in the southwest corner of the 494/169 interchange. The property is zoned POD -1, Planned Office District In the Planned Office District, Edina's Sign Ordinance No. 460.05, Subd. 5 provides for one building identification sign not to exceed 50 square feet in area for office buildings up to 4 stories in height. For buildings 5 stories in height or greater, an 80 square foot sign is allowed. The sign may be either wall mounted or freestanding. Ms. Repya explained the proposed wall sign would advertise for a prospective tenant "CBeyond". The sign is proposed to be 79.8 square feet in area, 29.8 square feet larger than the maximum 50 square foot sign allowed. The - extraordinary circumstance is the subject property's location on 1-494 and West 78th Street. Because of its location, access to this building is difficult to determine if one is not familiar with the area. Traffic on 1-494, which travels at a high rate of speed must exit on East Bush Lake Road and continue west on West 78th Street. Access to the building from Highway 169 is achieved by exiting on Valley View Road, then proceeding south on the East Frontage Road alongside Braemar Arena to the building. Ms. Repya noted that the proposed signage variance would allow signage that would be visible to traffic moving on 1-494, similar to adjacent property. Ms. Repya concluded staff recommends approval of the 29.8 square foot sign area variance to provided better visibility for a building with limited accessibility based on the following findings: • The location of the property, which has difficult visibility and access from 1-494. • The unique circumstances of the properties location was not self imposed. • Signage would be similar in size to the two adjacent properties which also received size variances. • The signage would be a reasonable use given the hardship imposed by the required size. Ms. Repya stated approval is also based on the following condition: • The variance will expire on May 1, 2009, unless the city has issued a sign permit for the project covered by this variance or approved a time extension. Mr. Tim Ducharme was present representing the proponent. Chair Vasaly asked Mr. Ducharme what type of business will be occupying the building. Mr. Ducharme explained the business is a telecom business. A discussion ensued with Board Members in agreement that the request is reasonable, pointing out the uniqueness of the site and limited visibility. Member Davidson moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Member Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-08-20 Greg Haugen 5725 St. John's Request: 5 foot side street setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is a corner lot consisting of a one story rambler with an attached two car garage. The applicant is hoping to add a two car garage in front of the existing attached garage and add a family room off the back of the home. The plans include converting the existing garage into living space allowing for a sitting room adjacent to the dining room. The owners are proposing a garage to be located in front of the existing attached garage. All of the aspects of the plan conform to the ordinance requirements with the exception of the proposed side street setback from West 58th St. The proposed garage would overlap the required 15 foot side street setback by 5 feet. It should be noted that the existing south sidewall of the garage is nonconforming, providing a side street setback of 10 feet instead of the required 15 feet. The side wall of the proposed garage would be located 10 feet from the side street lot line and would match the sidewall of the existing garage. Ms. Aaker explained the applicant has indicated that one of their goals is to maintain the rambler by modifying and adding on to the main floor with what exists today. They have indicated that it is important to them to preserve the character of the rambler by improving upon the floor plan to meet their space needs. Ms. Aaker concluded staff recommends approval of the requested 5 foot side street setback variance based on the following findings: • The location of the existing garage relative to the side street. • An attached two car garage required per ordinance could not be accomplished given the existing floor plan and house placement. • The corner lot arrangement and original home and garage placement limit design options. • The encroachment will match the existing garage encroachment. • The improvements would follow the existing wall lines and architecture of the home and should have no impact on sight lines. • The addition would be a reasonable use given the hardship imposed by the required setbacks. Approval is also subject to the following conditions: • The addition must be constructed as per the submitted plan dated March 10, 2008. • The variance will expire on May 1, 2009, unless the city has issued a building permit for the project covered by this variance or approved a time extension. The proponent Mr. Haugen was present to respond to questions from the Board. Member Davidson said in his opinion the request is reasonable and the addition fits in nicely with the home and neighborhood. Member Scherer thanked Mr. Haugen for retaining the rambler. She noted too often the Board sees a rambler remodeled into a two story home. Member Davidson moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Member Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT AND PUBLIC COMMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 PM