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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 09-01 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 5:30 P.M., MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Dave Runyan, Rose Mary Utne, Len Olson, Robert Hale MEMBERS ABSENT: Chuck Ingwalson STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Hale moved approval of the July 7, 1994, meeting minutes. Mrs. Utne seconded the motion, with corrections. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-94-42 Leny and Margaret Wallenfriedman 6805 Limerick Lane Lot 6, Block 9, Buena Vista Purpose: A 5.7 foot sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the board the property is located on the East side of Limerick Lane, South of West 60th Street and West of 9 Mile Creek. The home consists of a one story walkout rambler with a side loading tuck under two car garage. The home owners are hoping to add twelve feet onto the North side of their home to allow for a dinette area and a den. Ms. Aaker concluded given the placement of the home on the lot and design constraints with regard to the floor plan and walkout nature of the home, staff supports the request. Mr. Wallenfriedman was present to respond to questions. Mr. Hale asked Ms. Aaker the required setback for a deck. Ms. Aaker said a deck has a 5 foot setback. 1 Mr. Runyan stated in viewing the site and plans it appears the way the house is situated on the lot the only way to add is as presented. Ms. Aaker said that is correct because of house placement they cannot go forward into the frontyard. Mr. Hale questioned why they cannot expand out the rear. Ms. Aaker explained the floor plan of the house does not lend itself well for that. Mr. Wallenfriedman explained because of the location of the fireplace, and deck, their position made it difficult for other design options. Mr. Wallenfriedman added windows will be added to improve the side view of the house. Mr. Hale stated he is uncomfortable with granting a variance so close to the lot line, and agrees the placement of windows will break up mass. Mr. Wallenfriedman pointed out the houses are not placed exactly next to each other. He pointed out the way the houses are laid out overlapping would not occur. Mrs. Utne agreed she pointed out the nearest homes are not in conflict with each other. Mr. Runyan explained to Mr. Wallenfriedman the board carefully considers the setback issue when the variance is for living space. Continuing, Mr. Runyan said ordinance standards require living space to be farther from property lines because the are "active areas". Mr. Runyan said in all situations we consider spacing between homes, and in this instance any impact should be minimal. The houses within this area have adequate spacing. Mr. Hale reiterated while he is uncomfortable with living space closer than five feet to a property line this situation is unique because of the location of the existing house. Mr. Hale said the granting of this variance is not precedent setting because of its uniqueness. Mrs. Utne moved variance approval subject to the plans submitted, with the condition that materials are to match the existing structure, noting the location of the existing house. Mr. Hale seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-94-43 Charles and Kathy Urban 4617 Arden Avenue Lot 9, Block 11, Country Club District Fairway Section 2 Request: A .67 foot north sideyard setback variance and a 1.67 foot south sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the board the subject property is located on the East side of Arden Avenue in the historic Country Club district. The home is a one and one half story English Cottage style home which was built in 1930. The home has a one car attached garage. The home owners are hoping to add on a second (tandem) garage stall, mudroom and family room on the main level and a master bedroom, study and bathroom on the second floor. All aspects of the home design conform to the ordinance requirements with the exception of the new tandem garage/mudroom portion of the addition and the second story master bath. Ms. Aaker concluded given the limited ability to provide a minimum two car garage and given the minimal impact the variances may have with respect to a conforming solution, staff can support the request as submitted. The proponents Mr. and Mrs. Urban were present. Mrs. Utne pointed out in viewing the site and looking at the photos presented this evening there is a barrier of dense vegetation between the subject home and the most impacted neighbor. Ms. Aaker said that is correct, the hedge and driveway create a buffer, and the most impacted neighbor's garage is adjacent. Mrs. Utne questioned if the large tree on the south side will have to be removed. Mr. Urban said the tree will be saved. Mr. Olson asked Mr. and Mrs. Urban if they ever considered constructing a two car garage in the rearyard. Mrs. Urban responded if a detached two car garage is constructed in the rear the entire backyard will be consumed. Mr. Urban added he believes the architect was very sensitive with his design to the existing house, and the neighborhood in general. He concluded stating he believes the addition blends very well. Mr. Hale moved variance approval. Mrs. Utne seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT Mrs. Utne moved adjournment at 5:55 p.m. &, ) V�m A a@w� Jac i Hoogenakker 3