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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 04-17 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1997, AT 5:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCR ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Helen McClelland, Rodney Hardy, Mike Lewis,, Lorelei Bergman, David Byron STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINLITES: The minutes of the February 20, 1997, meeting were filed as submitted. 11. NEW BUSINESS: B-97-1 1 Mr. John and Mrs. Florence McHugh 5616 Woodcrest Drive Lot 7, Block 3, Colonial Grove 6' Addition Zoning: R-1 Request: A 2 7 foot setback variance from a pond and a 1 foot sideyard setback variance and a 139 square foot lot coverage variance Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of Woodcrest Drive consisting of a multi-level home built in 1969. The home backs up to a ponding area along with 13 other homes. The property in question is non -conforming regarding both setback from the pond and lot coverage. The homeowners are hoping to expand their kitchen area into the back porch and replace the existing deck located along the back of the home with a screen porch. They are proposing to fill in the southwest corner of the home. Ms. Aaker pointed out the subject property is non -conforming in terms of lot coverage. The current code allows a maximum of up to 30% lot coverage of the lot area, but not to exceed 21250 square feet. The home occupies approximately 2,372 square feet with deck and front entrance porch area occupying an additional 322 square feet (minus the 150 square foot deck/patio credit). The homeowners are hoping to remodel their porch to expand the kitchen and replace the deck with a screen porch, all of which will remain elevated on posts. Ms. Aaker pointed out the homeowners submitted for building permit application believing the improvements could be accomplished and would not violate the Zoning Ordinance. Essentially they felt that they were "filling in a corner" that would not affect City ordinances. Unfortunately any and all additions are a problem and no permit can be issued. Ms. Aaker noted It would appear that the homeowner's situation is unique, not self imposed and that existing conditions regarding the property impose hardships for adding on -accomplishing alterations. The homeowners cannot accomplish any additions or alterations to the home without a variance. The alterations would have little if any impact on surrounding properties and would not change views of the pond for adjacent neighbors. Ms. Aaker also asked the Board to note the lot coverage and setback variances from the pond are existing conditions. Ms. Aaker concluded staff is supportive of the variance given the unique circumstances existing on the site. The proponent, Mr. John McHugh was present to respond to questions. Mr. McHugh submitted to Board Members copies of letters from neighbors supporting the request. He added all impacted neighbors support the request, and the neighbors across the street (Hanns) recently received approval of a similar variance request. Ms. McClelland stated in her opinion the proposal is minimal, noting in the past she has been on Boards who have heard variance requests on properties in the area, and it appears that a majority of the homes have been constructed at, or over, on lot coverage. Ms. Aaker agreed, she acknowledged a number of homes on Woodcrest Drive are presently over on lot coverage, and anything added to these homes trigger the variance process. Ms. Aaker concluded she has no explanation as to how the houses were constructed above Ordinance requirements. The Board was in agreement that the proposal is not overwhelming in scale, and any impact will be minimal. Mr. Lewis moved variance approval subject to the plans presented, and the use of matching materials. Mrs. Bergman seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. 111. AD]OURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.