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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 03-04 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMEETING MINUTES Edina Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday, March 4, 2010, 5:30 pm Edina City Hall Council Chambers 4801 50th Street West MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Michael Schroeder, Nancy Scherer and Bernadette Hornig MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Davidson STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker and Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the November 5, 2009, meeting were filed as submitted. 11. NEW BUSINESS: B-10-04 Muran and Jane Velani 4611 Moorland Avenue, Edina Request: A 1.3 foot side yard setback variance Planner Presentation Planner Aaker informed the Board the home is a one half story Norman style home with English Cottage influence built in 1934 that has an attached side loading garage located behind the home. The home is located within the historic Country Club District and is listed as one of the "Pivotal" homes in the district. The applicant is proposing to expand the kitchen area in an interior portion of the existing attached four car garage. Other improvements include a deeper garage bay, a new mud room, an office and sitting room on the second floor and a new detached one car garage to be located south of the home for storage. All of the proposed improvements conform to the ordinance requirements with the exception of the kitchen expansion into the existing garage area. The owners would like to extend the existing nonconforming north side wall of the kitchen into the garage. The setback of the addition would remain the same as the existing north wall and would not be visible from outside of the existing garage Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes March 4, 2010 Page 2 of 3 building. Planner Aaker pointed out that the addition will maintain the existing north side yard setback of 8.7 feet provided by the north wall of the home and extend into the existing garage area that is located approximately 5.5 feet from the north lot line. There will be a gap between the side wall of the kitchen and the north wall of the existing garage to maintain the existing nonconforming setback of the living space wall and maintain access to an existing electrical panel from inside the garage. Planner Aaker explained that the purpose of the setback requirement is to provide adequate spacing between structures. Spacing will remain the same and the improvements will not be visible from the exterior of the building. All portions of the additions will have matching materials as those used on the existing exterior of the home. The new living space areas on the main level and second floor above have been designed to comply with the zoning ordinance and not require any variances. Planner Aaker concluded that staff recommends approval of the 1.3 foot side yard setback variance based on the following findings: 1) There is unique hardship to the property caused by: a. The nonconforming placement of the home and the existence of other homes and structures all built under different ordinances with similar setbacks or are even closer to the side lot lines than the subject property. b. The home was built prior to current side yard setback requirements in the Country Club development that encouraged shallow side yard setbacks. c. The addition will improve upon existing conditions on site by locating the addition farther from the north lot line than current conditions. 2) The variances would meet the intent of the ordinance since: a. The variance would be similar to existing surrounding conditions with the north wall requiring a variance not visible from the outside. b. The variances would maintain the distance between structures on the property and the neighboring property. c. The variances would not alter the character of the district; instead would be consistent with original setback conditions prescribed by the historic Country Club District. Approval should be based on the following conditions: 1) The addition shall be constructed as per the submitted plan dated February 17, 2010. 2) This variance will expire on March 4, 2011, unless the city has issued a building permit for the project covered by this variance or approved a time extension. Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes March 4, 2010 Page 3of3 Appearing for the Applicant: Mr. and Mrs. Velani and Bob Kline, MA Peterson Discussion: A brief discussion ensued with Board Members in agreement that any impact would be minimal and in actuality the nonconforming aspects of this house are brought more into conformance by the proposal. Public Comment: Mr. Dill, 4610 Edina Boulevard asked if a door is proposed on the rear elevation of the garage. Chair Schroeder responded that the design plans indicate a rear door. Action Member Hornig moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Member Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. COMMUNITY COMMENT: None. IV. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 pm Respectively submitted gaA" XW3��