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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 11-02 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ZONING BOARD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2006,5:30 PM EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 4801 WEST 50TH STREET MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Schroeder, Rose -Mary Utne, Ed Schwartzbauer, and Nancy Scherer STAFF PRESENT: Kris Aaker and Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the September 7, 2006, meeting were filed. II. NEW BUSINESS: B-06-70 Mark and Sandra Jezierski 4226 Scott Terrace North one half of lot 45, Morningside Request: A 1.5 ft side yard setback variance. Ms. Aaker informed the Board the subject property is located on the west side of Scott Terrace consisting of a two story home with a tuck -under single stall garage. The property owners are hoping to add onto the home to include a first floor master bedroom, family room, side porch and an expanded kitchen. All of the improvements conform to the ordinance requirements with the exception of a proposed 6 ft extension of a master bedroom on the north side of the home. The master bedroom extension will actually be farther away from the north side yard than the existing north wall of the home. The existing north wall of the home is nonconforming. Ms. Aaker explained the property is located in the Morningside neighborhood of Edina, with the home built around the 1920's. There are no records indicating that the home was built in violation of any City ordinances. Morningside is a neighborhood comprised of a variety of lot sizes and home styles. The homes built in Morningside also vary in the years and decades they were built. It has been expressed that part of the charm of Morningside is the variety and mixture of properties. Setbacks also vary in throughout Morningside that has created an interesting and irregular pattern of development. Ms. Aaker concluded the addition fits the charm and character of the Morningside neighborhood and actually improves upon a nonconforming side yard setback. The existing nonconforming setback of the north wall is a hardship. Staff supports the request subject to the plans presented. The proponents Mr. and Mrs. Jezierski were present to respond to questions. Mr. Greg Hansen, builder told the Board they worked very hard in stepping the addition back to minimize impact. Mr. Schwartzbauer told the Board in his opinion the proposed improvements are all to the rear of the property with little or no impact on surrounding properties. Mr. Schwartzbauer moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of matching materials noting the unique placement of the house on the lot creates a hardship. Mrs. Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B-06-71 Rick and Gwyn Hausman 6025 Beard Ave. So. Lot 7, Holts Addition to Edina Request: A 1.5 ft driveway width variance and an 1.83 ft side yard setback variance Ms. Aaker told the Board the subject property is located on the east side of Beard Ave. consisting of a rambler with an attached one car garage. The property owners are hoping to remove the one stall garage with a porch behind it and replace it with a drive through car port that will access a detached two car garage in the rear year. The plan also includes an in -fill expansion to the front of the house and a second story addition. All of the improvements to the home conform to the ordinance requirements with the exception of driveway width near the side door and the side yard setback of a proposed porch above the car port. 2 Ms. Aaker asked the Board to note the homeowners have lived in the neighborhood for ten years and have a family that has grown to 4 children. The existing home has a one car garage, one main floor bathroom and not enough bedrooms to accommodate their family. The proponent's son must share a room with one of his sisters. As the children have grown it has become evident to the homeowners that the home is simply too small for their family. The proponents are heavily invested in their neighborhood and have made many friends. The homeowners desire to stay in their current home and have stated that they value the great area in which they live. The homeowners would prefer to spend their resources on improving their existing home so that they may stay, however, acknowledge that there are challenges given existing conditions. Ms. Aaker concluded the driveway width variance is for just a small portion of the driveway, accommodates the required stoop depth and is similar to other situations near and around the subject property. The porch is replacing an existing nonconforming porch and improves upon the existing nonconforming setback. Staff supports the requests as submitted subject to the plans presented. The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Hausman were present to respond to questions. Mr. Hausman addressed the Board and explained his family is much invested in their neighborhood and would love to remain, adding the proposed addition allows us to remain in our home by providing us additional living area. Chair Schroeder asked Ms. Aaker the reason Edina requires a driveway width of 12 feet when so many of the smaller lot areas in the City don't have driveways that wide. Ms. Aaker responded in all honestly she doesn't know the answer to that question. Continuing, Ms. Aaker said Code doesn't specifically state driveway width; however, Code requires a drive aisle width of 12 feet (Ordinance 850.08). Ms. Aaker agreed with the statement that the majority of homes, especially in East Edina do not have driveways 12 feet in width. Mrs. Utne commented in her opinion the proposed improvements to the home are reasonable with minimal impact to the surrounding properties. Mrs. Utne moved variance approval subject to the plans presented and the use of like materials noting a hardship exists because Code requires a driveway width of 12 feet which cannot be met and approval of the porch addition preserves a right always enjoyed by this property. Mr. Schwartzbauer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 PM 3 I a . � - • • — — \ —