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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 10-15 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1992, 5:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Helen McClelland, Mike Lewis, David Byron STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Workinger moved approval of the September 17, 1992 meeting minutes. Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-92-40 Peter and Ann McNerney 4725 Annaway Drive Lot 5, Block 1, Gunnor Johnson Rearrangement Rolling Green together with an undivided 1/11 interest in lagoon, also described as Outlot 1 Request: A 17.5 foot frontyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the board the subject property is located on the north side of Annaway Drive just south of a sizable ponding area. The property is the site of a single family walkout rambler with an inground pool located in the rearyard area. The homeowners are proposing a dramatic redesign of the home to include the addition of a second story. The design includes a new front entry porch with bedroom area above. Ms. Aaker concluded the design of the dwelling lends itself well to a vertical addition. The addition has been designed in a reasonable manner that is sensitive to the character of the neighborhood. The proposal should not be perceptible from adjacent properties or the streetscape. staff recommends approval of the variance with the condition that the variance is limited to the plans presented. The proponent, Mrs. McNerney and her architect Paul Konstant were present. Mr. Konstant explained that Mr. and Mrs. McNerney have recently moved into the area and desire to enlarge the existing walkout rambler. Mr. Konstant pointed out that along Annaway Drive and Rolling Green Parkway a number of different styles of home can be found and frontyard setbacks vary greatly. He said that the proponents desire to develop this house into a more traditional style of home. Mr. Konstant noted that any addition to the rear would be hard because of the location of the existing inground pool and the ponding area. Mr. Konstant asked the board to the low wall "fence" that encroaches into the frontyard of 4729 Annaway Drive, next door to the subject site to the east. He concluded that the encroachment of the low fence directly east minimizes any impact the proposed addition would have to the streetscape. Mrs. McClelland said she has a concern that the visual impact of the proposed addition would create a situation where the house would appear to be much closer to the street than at present because of the two stories. Mr. Byron observed if he viewed the plans correctly the encroachment into the setback appears to be relatively small due to the overhanging eaves. Mr. Konstant interjected that that is correct, in actuality only a small portion of the proposed addition juts out past the eaves. Mr. McNerney asked the board to note that immediate neighbors have indicated they support the proposal. A discussion ensued with the board in agreement that they are very cautious when approving frontyard setback variances that result in as large of an addition as proposed and the change in character of a house in an existing neighborhood, but given the following facts; that spacing between houses will remain adequate, and pointing out the diversity of the street, and that frontyard setback vary greatly along this block any impact would be minimal, and the board can support the request. Mr. Byron moved approval subject to plans submitted based on the five findings submitted by staff. Mr. Workinger seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-92-44 Jennifer Tahtinen 4212 Branson Street Lot 8, Rileyls Subdivision of Lots 3, 4,5,6,7, and 31 Grimes Homestead Request: A 4 foot sideyard setback variance and variance for single car garage Ms. Aaker told the board the subject home is located on the north side of Branson. The property consists of a two story frame house with an attached side loading single stall garage located in the rearyard. Ms. Aaker said the applicant is requesting to construct a single stall garage in the east sideyard one foot from the property boundary. Ms. Aaker noted that the existing garage cannot be accessed by a car due to the inadequate maneuvering area provided. Expansion of the existing garage would not be possible because a city storm sewer easement runs along the west property boundary and it appears that the home and possibly the garage encroach into the easement area. Ms. Aaker concluded that staff could support a variance to allow approval of a single stall garage. Ms. Aaker said staff recommends a maximum two foot sideyard setback variance to allow a garage three feet including eaves from the property line. The proponent, Ms. Tahtinen was present. Mrs. McClelland questioned Ms. Tahtinen on what she plans to do with the existing garage. Ms. Tahtinen said she proposes to use the existing garage for storage and as a garden room. Mr. Patton asked for clarification on the easement. Ms. Aaker explained that the easement along the west property line is 75' long by 1' wide. It was granted to the next lot in 1946. Mr. Workinger told the board he understands the request for a variance to construct the detached garage but added he feels uncomfortable with granting such a large variance. Mr. Workinger noted that he does not find a letter of support from the neighbor to the east that would be the most impacted by the proposed garage location. Ms. Tahtinen indicated that the neighbor to the east has no problem with the proposal. Mrs. McClelland said that she can support a variance for a new garage but wants the new garage to maintain at minimum, a 3 foot sideyard setback. A discussion ensued with the board noting the difficulty of placing the proposed garage in a conforming location due to the location of an utility easement, topography, and retaining wall. Mr. Byron moved approval due to the unusual and difficult location of the existing garage and subject to the condition that the new garage maintain a 3 foot sideyard setback, including eaves. Mr. Workinger seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-92-45 Request: Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock 7212 Trillium Lane Lot 9, Block 1, Lake Edina 2nd Addition A 6.5 foot sidestreet setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the board the subject property consists of a split level home located on the southwest corner of Trillium Lane and Hibiscus Avenue. Ms. Aaker explained the homeowners are proposing to add a third garage stall and add a new bedroom with master bath above the new garage area. Because this is a corner lot the new addition is required to be setback 35 feet. Therefore a 6.5 foot sideyard setback is requested. Ms. Aaker concluded that the proposed variance allows for a logical addition to the dwelling requiring only a small triangular encroachment on the required sidestreet. Staff recommends that any approval be subject to limiting the variance to the plans submitted and matching materials. The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock were present. Mr. Workinger pointed out there is a hardship for any homeowner who wants to add to their home and must maintain two frontyard setbacks. Mr. Byron questioned if the neighbors have been informed. Ms. Aaker responded that immediate neighbors receive mailed notice of the variance request. Ms. Aaker said to her knowledge no one has objected to the proposal as presented. Mr. Workinger moved approval subject to staff conditions and that materials match the existing dwelling. Mr. Patton seconded the motion. Ayes; Patton, McClelland, Workinger. Nay, Byron. Motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.