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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 09-05 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1996 5:30 P.M., MANAGE'S CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, David Runyan, Rose Mary Utne, William Skallerud, Len Olson, Chuck Ingwalson STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the July 11, 1996 meeting were filed as submitted. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-96-47 Serena Nelson 3333 West 55th Street Lot 9, Block 4, White Investment Co.'s Hidden Valley Request: A 22 foot rearyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is a corner lot located in the southeast quadrant of West 55th Street and Beard Avenue and consists of a 1 'h story home with an attached single stall garage. The property owner would like to expand their existing one car garage into a two car garage. Ms. Aaker explained the Zoning Ordinance requires that attached garages must maintain a minimum 3 foot sideyard setback and a 25 foot rearyard setback. The property is addressed off of West 55th street so the front lot line is along West 55th Street and the rear lot line is opposite to it. The required setback of the garage is 25 feet. However, if the rear lot line were considered a side lot line as was allowed in previous city ordinances, the sidewall of the garage would require a five foot sideyard posts approved by the Board for existing homes when deemed appropriate. Ms. Aaker concluded given the shallowness of the lot and that the request is for an unenclosed overhang with posts only, staff can support the request. The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Halva and their architect Mr. Dovolis were present to respond to questions. Mr. Skallerud asked Ms. Aaker to clarify for him the variance request. Ms. Aaker explained the proposed front entry way requires a frontyard setback variance because it encroaches into the frontyard setback area established on the that side of the street between intersections. Continuing, Ms. Aaker said if the house were moved farther back on the lot no variance would be required. Mrs. Utne said she believes neighbors present this evening for this issue are present because they are alarmed at the size of the proposed house. Mrs. Utne explained to them the proposed house complies with all Ordinance setback requirements except for the proposed unenclosed front stoop, and the proposed house can be constructed, as proposed, if it is moved farther back on the lot. Mrs. Utne informed interested neighbors the job of the Board this evening is to decide if granting the proposed variance is preferable to having the house moved farther back on the lot. Mr. Ingwalson asked Ms. Aaker if the proposed house complies with lot coverage and building height requirements. Ms. Aaker reiterated the proposed house meets all Zoning Ordinance requirements except for the proposed front entry way. Mr. Dovolis interjected the proposed roof is a hip roof which in his opinion reduces roof mass. Continuing, Mr. Dovolis said the current design has been "in the works" for a number of years, and we have worked with the neighbor to the immediate north to reduce impact. Mr. Olson asked Mr. Halva if there will be tree loss in the frontyard area. Mr. Halva said one tree will definitely be lost, he added we have considered removing it and transplanting it in the rearyard, adding he is unsure if it can be saved. Mr. Halva reported that his family has resided in their home since 1987 and since then the size of their family has increased. At present, Mr. Halva said the home has two bedrooms, and a one car garage. Continuing, Mr. Halva said their desire is to have a larger kitchen area, and to be able to have a home office. Mr. Halva noted they have also looked at up to 40 different homes, in and around the Edina area, and have not found a neighborhood that compares to the one they live in. Mr. Halva said they have poured over plans for renovating the house over the past five years, and they believe they have come up with a solution that meets their present needs. Mr. Halva d 4 stated his family loves their neighborhood, and want to be able to remain, and accommodate their growing needs. Concluding, Mr. Halva said it is his opinion if the house is moved farther back on the lot to maintain the average setback, the streetscape, and the neighbor to the north will be compromised. Mr. Skallerud told Board Members he has his own personal opinions on this project, and asked Mr. Halva why the proposed portico is so important. Mr. Halva responded their numerous plans have always indicated a more pronounced entry way. He said in his opinion the pronounced entry way is aesthetically pleasing while offering protection from the elements. Mr. Dovolis agreed that while reducing exposure to the elements was a goal, the portico also adds character to the proposed structure. Mrs. Halva interjected the front door faces east, and when it is opened to retrieve newspapers, etc. rain and snow blow into the house. Mr. Runyan pointed out the proposed portico is open on all side so impact is minimal, and in his opinion the portico breaks up the front facade, and is aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Ed Noonan, agreed with Mr. Runyan's comments pointing out another aspect of the portico that should be acknowledged is that the portico adds relief, and softens the facade of the home. Mr. Larry Swanby, 5725 Abbott Avenue, (representing his mother who resides at 5129 Juanita Avenue) told Board Members he is very opposed to the new house. He said in his opinion this area is "classic Edina" and the homes tastefully compliment each other. Mr. Swanby said new construction does not blend well with existing houses, and the proposed house is to large for the lot, and the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Swanby concluded stating the proponent will not be harmed because of this proposal, the neighborhood will be harmed by the construction of a house that is completely out of character with the neighborhood. Mrs. Utne acknowledged neighbors are upset with the size and the mass of the proposed house, and reiterated that is not what this body is considering this evening. Mrs. Utne explained the proposed house meets all Zoning Ordinance requirements, except for the front portico. Continuing, Mrs. Utne pointed out that while individually Board Members have their own personal feelings on issues we are asked to review, to date the City of Edina has not given us license to dictate the style and size of houses that are constructed within our City. Concluding, Mrs. Utne reiterated the only aspect of the house that requires a variance is the proposed open sided front entry, and the Board has consistently approved variances for front entry stoops. An unidentified resident explained she resides in the vicinity, and is interested in 5 .*r this project from an architectural and global aspect. She stated she moved from Lake Forest, Illinois into this neighborhood because of its quaintness, and asked if the City of Edina has a historical review board. Continuing, she added she does not have an issue with the portico, reiterating her interest is more with the historical aspect of the neighborhood, and the impact this house will have on any historical significance. She concluded by questioning the materials that will be used on the proposed house, repeating her question if there is a historical review board for this area. Mr. Runyan responded the City of Edina has a Heritage Preservation Board, but he believes this area does not meet the requirements for designation as a historical district. Mr. Dovolis presented plans indicating the type of siding that will be used on the proposed house, and window treatment. Mr. Dovolis said the siding will be wood, and the windows will be divided light. At this time no decision has been made on the type of roof treatment. Mr. Dovolis added they are leaning toward a cedar shake roof, but have not made the final decision. Mr. Runyan said in viewing the plans he believes the house is interesting in style, and is similar in character to the homes in the vicinity. Nancy Tarbox 5128 Juanita Avenue, ( two houses south) said she understands the focus of the board is the front entry, and suggested that the architect design a different entry, which would eliminate the need for a variance. Mr. Runyan said he believes an architect could design a number of different entrances, but the proponents are requesting a variance for the plans presented, and that is what the board has to act on. Ms. Wiemer, 5129 Juanita Avenue told the board she would not have a problem with the proposal if the house were to stay within the same footprint. Ms. Wiemer also added she feels the height of the proposed house has changed. Mr. Dovolis said the proposed house is six to eight feet taller than the existing house, but the ridge line is the same. Mr. Ingwalson stated he can support the proposal because in his opinion moving the house farther back on the lot to eliminate the variance would create a less desirable structure. The proposed house placement is a benefit to the immediate neighbor to the north and the Board has continually supported variance requests for unenclosed front entry stoops. Concluding Mr. Ingwalson reiterated he can support the request because in his opinion the portico softens the facade, and the plans depict a unenclosed portico. n Mr. Skallerud said Juanita Avenue is a beautiful quaint street, and our duty as a board is to protect the streetscape and adjacent property owners, adding he supports the request because he believes aligning the front facade of the proposed house with the rest of the houses along the block better preserves the streetscape while offering relief to the neighbor to the north, and the rear. Mr. Skallerud moved variance approval subject to the plans submitted, and the condition the front portico is to remain unenclosed. Mr. Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-96-49 Jack and Molly Emmer 5236 Kellogg Avenue Lot 10, Block 3, South Harriet Park Request: A five foot sideyard setback variance Ms. Aaker informed the board the subject property is a corner lot located in the northwest quadrant of West 53rd Street and Kellogg Avenue. The homeowners are remodeling and adding on to their home which includes a master bedroom above the garage and a small addition to the first floor family room. Ms. Aaker concluded due to the minimal makeup of the variance staff support the request as presented. Board Members were in agreement since the addition fills in a corner of the existing structure, and will align with the south building wall, any impact would be minimal. Mr. Skallerud moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of like materials. Mr. Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. I , "&2 , C*c "Hoogenak-T 7