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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-28 Planning Commission Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 28, 2015 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER 11. ROLL CALL Answering the roll call were: Hobbs, Scherer, Schroeder, Lee, Seeley, Halva, Olsen, Carr, Forrest and Platteter 111. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Commissioner Olsen moved approval of the January 28, 2015 meeting agenda. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. IV. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Forrest moved approval of the January 14, 2015 meeting minutes. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT: Chair Platteter opened public comment. None. Commissioner Carr moved to close the public comment period. Commissioner Hobbs seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Variance. B & A Erickson. 6617 Brittany Road, Edina, MN Planner Presentation Planner Teague reported that Bryan and Anita Erickson (applicants) are requesting a variance to complete an addition to their existing split level home located at 6617 Brittney Road. The requested variance is a 4.11 foot deviation from the required 13.5 foot required side yard setback. The variance is necessary to build within the existing footprint because much of the existing home is nonconforming regarding side yard setback. Teague explained that the subject property is located in a neighborhood with single -level and split level homes. The homeowners are proposing to add a second story addition to their split level, increasing the footprint (in a conforming location) and are also proposing to add a patio in the front yard and a patio and deck in the rear yard of their property. A future detached shed is also indicated, although a separate permit and lot coverage calculation would be needed upon building permit to verify the zoning on that improvement. Teague said that the zoning ordinance requires a minimum 13.5 -foot setback from the southern property line for this addition. The existing home is nonconforming, as it would require a 10 -foot setback and it is currently 9.39 feet from the property line. The front yard setback required is the average front yard setback of the homes on either side and this property meets that requirement. The front patio /porch is proposed to be located no more than 80 square feet into the required front yard setback, also meeting city code. The height would not exceed 30 feet overall. Planner Teague stated that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the variance based on the following findings: 1) The proposal would meet the required standards for a variance, because: a. The proposed use of the property is reasonable; as it slightly alters existing setback conditions without reducing setbacks further or impacting the surrounding neighbors. b. The practical difficulty is the location of the existing home, which does not meet the required side yard setback. The imposed setback and existing house location do not provide opportunity for a second floor without a variance. c. The variance would be for a small triangular "point intrusion" into the required setback. This home and the home to the south were built at an angle to the side lot line. d. The adjacent most impacted home to the south has the garage located adjacent to the requested variance area. Approval of the variance is also subject to the following conditions: 1) Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below: ➢ Architectural plans date stamped November 4, 2014 ➢ Grading drainage and erosion control plan date stamped January 8, 2015 ➢ Building plans/ elevations date stamped November 4, 2014 ➢ Engineering memo dated January 22, 2015. Concluding, Teague pointed out that Commissioner Forrest had a question on overall building height; adding he believes the building height is correct and if it isn't correct it would be by inches. Concluding, Teague said if the Commission were to approve the variance as requested they could add an additional condition requesting further confirmation on building height Appearing for the Applicant Mr. and Mrs. Erickson; property owner and applicant. r 2 Applicant Presentation Mr. Erickson informed the Commission he spoke with the majority of his neighbors who indicated to him their support for the project, adding with regard to building height that he wasn't aware of any issues with the overall building height. Public Comment Chair Platteter opened public hearing period. Mr. Jim Grotz, 5513 Park Place addressed the Commission expressing his concern with the variance request if there was an error in building height calculations, adding he believes the new home next to him is being constructed too close to the property line due to an error. Chair Platteter asked if anyone else would like to speak to the issue; being none, Commissioner Scherer moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All voted aye; public hearing closed. Discussion Commissioner Carr stated in her opinion the renovations to the home look good and are a plus for the neighborhood. Carr said she supports the variance as requested. Commissioner Lee said she was concerned with the question raised concerning overall building height, adding without that information being exact she would feel uncomfortable voting on it. Chair Platteter asked Planner Teague if the variances were approved to ensure that all building heights are calculated correctly. Planner Teague said all calculations would be double checked, reiterating if there is an error it would be very small and could easily be addressed and corrected. Commissioner Forrest said in her opinion the request is reasonable, adding she likes the rain garden. She said approval should be per the plans presented to include double checking the calculation of building height and retaining the rain garden. Motion Commissioner Carr moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions including the conditions 1) that overall building height must comply with code and 2) the rain garden is constructed per plans presented. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. Ayes; Hobbs, Scherer, Schroeder, Olsen, Carr, Forrest, Platteter. Nay, Lee. Motion carried. B. Lot Division and Variance. Donnay Homes. 3621 & 3625 54"' Street West, Edina, MN {3 Planner Presentation Planner Teague informed the Commission that Donnay Homes are proposing to tear down the existing double dwelling unit at 3621 and 3625 54`h Street West, and build a new one.To accommodate the request Teague reported that the following is requested: 1. A two -foot side street setback variance from 20 feet to 18 feet, so the garage adjacent to Drew Avenue has its opening facing Drew, rather than 54`h Street; 2. A lot area variance from 15,000 square feet to 10,748 square feet and lot width variance from 90 to 80 feet to built the new structure. The lot size and width are existing conditions, but would still require a variance; and 3. A lot division to create a party -wall division of the new structure. The new structure would be built with a fire rated wall separating the two units. This would provide protection for each unit, should there be a fire on the other side. Teague further explained that within this area there are a mixture of duplexes and single - family homes, zoned both R -I, Single - Family Residential and R -2, Double- Dwelling Unit. Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the city council approve the variances and lot division as requested, subject to the following conditions: . The new double dwelling shall be built per the submitted plans date stamped December 24, 2014, and January 9, 2015. 2. The 24 -inch Locust and 22 -inch Locust on the site shall be maintained and protected during construction. 3. The applicant shall plant and additional 4 -inch Maple on each new lot to replace the 12 -inch Maple that is to be removed. 4. Each unit shall have separate utility hook -ups. 5. The units will be separated by a fire -wall; and be verified by the City's building official. Appearing for the Applicant Steve Beneke, Donnay Homes. Discussion Commissioner Olsen asked Planner Teague if the Engineers had an opinion. Planner Teague responded Engineering believes the project will improve the existing site conditions. Commissioner Lee commented that she observed shrubs to the east and asked if they would remain. Planner Teague responded in the affirmative. Applicant Presentation Mr. Beneke said in his opinion the building design and splitting the garages helps the neighborhood both practically and aesthetically. In reference to the landscaping Beneke stated all measures would be taken to retain the existing vegetation (hedge), trim the hedge and implement all staff conditions on landscaping. Discussion Commissioner Forrest asked the applicant to be cautious with the drainage; pointing out there is some topography change in the area. Continuing, Forrest complimented the design and garage layout of the new structure. Chair Platteter agreed, adding he appreciates the creativity in building design and garage placement. Public Hearing Chair Platteter opened the public hearing. No one spoke to the issue. Commissioner Carr moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; public hearing closed. Motion Commissioner Olsen moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. Commissioner Carr asked to amend the motion to include maintenance of the existing shrubs. It was observed that the shrubs /hedge was depicted on the landscape plans dated January 9, 2015, noting staff conditions include date stamped plans. All voted aye; motion carried. VII. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Wooddale Valley View Small Area Plan Commissioner Lee addressed the Commission and explained the Wooddale/Valley View Small Area Plan process is entering its final stages. Lee said the hope is that this process could become a template for further small area plan processes. Continuing, Lee delivered a power point presentation and shared with the Commission the progress of the working group including timeline. Lee stated it is their hope that in the near future the plan is finalized and posted to the website for public comment. Lee explained after the public comment time period is over the team would meet to review comments and finalize the plan. 5 Y Concluding, Lee said their goal is to hold a public hearing with the Planning Commission on the 25`h of February with the Council holding their public hearing in early March (March 3rd Chair Platteter thanked Commissioners Lee and Forrest for their work on the Wooddale Valley View Small Area Plan. Commissioners echoed Platteter's thanks. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS A. Council Update and Attendance Chair Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials. IX. CHAIR AND COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Platteter reported that applications are still open for appointments to the City's Boards and Commissions. Platteter encouraged residents to apply if interested. Chair Platteter informed the Commission residential feedback is welcomed on the Living Streets Plan. Platteter said two public meeting forums are planned as follows: 1. 7 -8:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 4`h, Edina Public Work and Park Maintenance Facility, 7450 Metro Boulevard; 2. 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday. February 7. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square. Platteter encouraged all interested residents to attend. Commissioner Carr suggested that the 2015 Planning Commission Work Plan be discussed with the new Commission Members. Planner Teague agreed, adding he would place the 2015 Work Plan on the agenda for discussion and review. X. STAFF COMMENTS Planner Teague reported that at the last City Council meeting a motion to approve the project for 7200 France failed. Teague explained that staff was asked to draft findings for denial to present at the next Council meeting. Teague stated action also needed to be taken because of time constraints. Commissioner Scherer asked if the Findings for Denial are approved can the applicant proceed with construction of the medical building they suggested if this project failed. Teague responded in the affirmative. Planner Teague further reported that the City Council will hold a public hearing on the Tree Ordinance on February 3, 2015. Chair Platteter noted the City is conducting a study on transportation and sewer issues in the greater Southdale area. Platteter wondered if Planning could "piggy back" with engineering and conduct a small area plan for the area. Platteter suggested that the Southdale area be added to the 2015 Work Plan if not already "called out" on the plan. Teague agreed. Continuing, Teague said monies have been set aside for a small area plan for the Cahill and Amundson area and if agreeable to everyone those monies could be diverted to do a small area plan for the greater Southdale area; especially west of France Avenue. XI. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Hobbs moved to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission at 8:35 p.m. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; meeting adjourned. r --A 7