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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 06-13 Planning Commission Minutes/ Minutes City Of Edina, Minnesota Planning Commission Edina City Hall Council Chambers June 13, 2018 Call To Order Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Roll Call Answering the roll were: Commissioners Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube, Chair Olsen. Student Member Mittal. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant Planner, Aaker, Assistant Planner Bodeker, Graduate Engineer, Gerk, Sr. Support Staff, Wills Absent from the roll: Commissioner Miranda, Jones, and Bennett Approval Of Meeting Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the June 13, 2018, meeting agenda. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. Approval Of Meeting Minutes There were no minutes to consider. Public Hearings A. Variance. 6301 Westwood Court, Edina, MN Side yard setback variance. Planner Presentation Planner Bodeker informed the Commission the subject property, 6301 Westwood Court, is approximately 32,238 square feet in area and is located on the southeast corner of Westwood Court and Schaefer Road. The existing home on the lot is a one-story rambler built in 1956. The applicant is proposing a 1.9-foot variance to the east property line to allow for an 800 square foot 2-car garage and kitchen addition. The existing home currently has a 2-car tuck under garage. The applicant is undergoing the addition and remodeling project to have garage access on the same floor of the one-story home. Today, the home complies with all required setbacks but the home is oriented closer to the east property line. Planner Bodeker described surrounding land uses and explained 6301 Westwood Court is a one-story rambler built in 1956. The existing first floor of the house will remain and be remodeled. The proposed addition will include space for a 2-car garage and a new kitchen and be approximately 21.75 feet by 37.3 feet, just over 800 square feet. The house is oriented toward Westwood Court. The existing house is setback 99.9 feet from the west (side) property line, 60.3 feet from the north (front) property line, and 29.8 feet to the east (side) property line. Planner Bodeker reviewed zoning, grading and drainage, and primary issues for variance justification. She concluded that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve a 1.9-foot side yard setback variance for the east property line at 6301 Westwood Court based on the following findings: The practical difficulty is that the lot is not squared. The east property line moves west as it heads south to the rear of the lot. The lot lines gradually get closer to the existing structure heading south. The existing house is oriented on the lot much closer to the east property line than the west. The house is currently 99.9 feet from the west property line and 29.8 feet to the east property line. Granting the variance will not alter the character of the neighborhood. The applicants are hoping to continue to age in place in the home. The addition will be seamless and will look as if it were part of the original plan of the home. There are homes of similar scale in the area. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below: Survey date stamped May 1, 2018 Elevations and building plans date stamped May 1, 2018 Compliance with the conditions and comments listed in the Environmental Engineer’s memo. Planner Bodeker was asked if the intent was to add a second garage. Planner Bodeker replied that there is currently a tuck under garage and the intent would be to add a garage that would be accessible from the first floor of the home. Planner Bodeker was asked about the number of homes in the city that have multiple garages and driveways and whether there are limitations within City Code. Planner Bodeker replied that there are other homes with multiple garages and some with multiple curb cuts. Bodeker noted that there is nothing within City Code that limits the number of garages. Planner Bodeker was asked for details about the stormwater plans. Planner Bodeker noted that the stormwater comments are in regard to capacity and advised that mitigation would be required and addressed the engineering during the building permit process. Appearing for the Applicant Craig Scofield and Kevin Roche Applicant Presentation Mr. Scofield addressed the Commission and stated that the original driveway will eventually be removed as the project moves forward. He stated that the applicant will re-landscape the property after the project is complete to mitigate stormwater in cooperation with city staff and the recommendations of the watershed. Mr. Roche explained that as he and his wife age, they would like to avoid climbing stairs. He stated that there are some drainage issues that they will attempt to correct with the project. He noted that the original driveway is in need of repair and therefore will be removed and anticipated that the existing garage would eventually be converted into living space. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. No comments made. Commissioner Thorsen to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hamilton seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. Comments The Commission voiced support for the project, noting that it would have been nice to see additional mitigation plans with the request. Motion Commissioner Thorsen moved to approve 1.9-foot side yard setback variance to the east property line at 6301 Westwood Court subject to the survey date stamped May 1, 2018, elevations and building plans date stamped May 1, 2018, and compliance with the conditions and comments listed in the Environmental Engineer’s memo. Friendly amendment by Hamilton to condition approval on the removal of the existing driveway, friendly amendment accepted by Thorsen. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. Ayes; Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube, Olsen. Nay Lee. Motion carried 7-1. B. Variance. 4707 Townes Road, Edina, MN. Rear yard setback variance. Planner Presentation Planner Aaker informed the Commission that D. Jon Monson, the applicant on behalf of the property owner, has submitted a variance request to encroach the 25-foot rear yard setback requirement for residential lots by 9.1 feet to allow a garage extension 15.9 feet from the rear lot line. There is currently an extensive remodeling project underway on the property that includes additions to the homme and a new garage. The homeowner was concerned about maintaining the integrity of the existing home and did not wat to teardown/rebuild the existing structure. They also wanted to maintain the topography of the lot which is uphill form Townes Road and continues in elevation into the rear yard. If approved, the new garage will have the appearance of a two-car garage from the street. The proposed double deep garage extension into the rear yard setback will be completely below grade and will not be visible from neighboring properties. It allows for the added space with no visible impact to surrounding properties. Planner Aaker described surrounding land uses and explained the existing 21,339 square foot lot is located on the east side of Townes Road. The homeowners are in the midst of adding onto the home and completely renovating it. The goal is to maintain the charm and character of the 1940 home while upgrading it to more modern building standards. The lot has a number of challenges. The lot is wide, but not particularly deep and is considerably elevated from the street with elevation increasing over 21 feet above Townes Road. Planner Aaker concluded that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the 9.1-foot rear yard setback variance to build a below grade garage at 4707 Townes Road, based on the following findings: The proposed project is a remodel and addition to an existing home built in the 1940s. The project is reasonable given the improvements will bring the home up to a more modern building standard. All improvements to the property conform to the zoning ordinance requirements with the exception of rear yard setback that will not be visible because the addition will be below grade. The relatively shallow lot dept given the lot size, home placement, and steep topography are unique conditions specific to the property making improvements and design alternatives more difficult for the site. Maintaining the existing home instead of a teardown rebuild on the lot preserves the character of the neighborhood. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the plans as presented. Planner Aaker was asked for details on why the variance was trigger. Planner Aaker explained that the variance is triggered because if the garage door was open, you would be able to see the improvement. Planner Aaker was asked details on the original submittal. Planner Aaker confirmed that the applicant has received a building permit for the original plans but resubmitted with the garage extension as it was determined that the applicant would like additional space. Planner Aaker stated that staff does not believe that there is a detrimental effect from an exterior perspective. Appearing for the Applicant D. Jon Monson Applicant Presentation Mr. Monson, speaking on behalf of the property owner, addressed the Commission and stated that the home owners are a young family that will continue to grow. He provided details on the planning process and how the change in design occurred, noting that this plan will avoid impact to two large trees on the property. He asked for approval in the variance, noting that this is a reasonable request as no one will know that it is there unless the door is open and someone going by can see the depth of the garage. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. Peggy Johnson, 4701 White Oaks Road, stated that the drawings are beautiful, and she supports preservation of trees. She stated that her concern would be with spoken variances to the north and concern for that neighbor. She stated that her concern would be for the people to the back of this home, as this would push back further into the already small backyard. She stated that this seems to work with the front of the building and not those to the back. Commissioner Thorsen to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. Comments The Commission discussed the practical difficulties of the project and reason the variance request was triggered. There was support for the project, with one Commissioner voicing comment that this is more of a want variance than a need variance. Motion Commissioner Thorsen moved to approve the variance as requested subject to the plans presented. Commissioner Hamilton seconded the motion. Vote of 6-2 (Nay: Thorsen and Nemerov). The motion carried. C. Variance. 5512 Hillside Court, Edina, MN Front yard setback variance. Planner Presentation Planner Bodeker informed the Commission the subject property, 5512 Hillside Court, is approximately 15,635 square feet in area and located on the north side of Hillside Court, south of Nine Mile Creek. The existing home on the lot is a two-story home built in 1966. The applicant is proposing an 8-foot variance for an addition to the front façade of the existing home. The applicant is also proposing a 5-foot by 12-foot addition on the east side of the home that conforms to the side yard setback requirements. Planner Bodeker described surrounding land uses and explained 5512 Hillside Court is a two-story home built in 1966. The proposed addition requiring the variance is a 6.5 foot by 13.33-foot addition to the front of the home and will be an extension of the existing entryway. The proposed addition will be 27.5 feet from the front property line, a difference of 8 feet from the required 35.5-foot setback. The second addition is off the east side of the home and meets the required setbacks. The addition will sit 14 feet from the eat property line. Planner Bodeker concluded that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve an 8-foot front yard setback variance at 5512 Hillside Court based on the following findings: The practical difficulty is that the lot is not square. Hillside Court is a curved street, and therefore the property line is curved to match the curvature of the street. The addition will match the setback of the existing front porch, but due to the addition being enclosed, it needs to meet the required front yard setback. The front property line is curved to match the curvature of Hillside Court. The proposed addition requiring a variance will not exceed the area of where the existing front porch of the home sits today. Granting the variance will not alter the character of the neighborhood. The addition to the front of the home will be in the same area of the existing front porch today. The proposed changes will blend in with other homes in the neighborhood. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below: Survey dated revisions December 11, 2017 Proposed Elevations and building plans date stamped May 18, 2018 Compliance with the conditions and comments listed in the environmental Engineer’s memo The Commission asked questions regarding the existing front yard setback. Planner Bodeker provided additional explanation on the front yard setback. Appearing for the Applicant Steven Kelly Applicant Presentation No comments made. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. No comments made. Commissioner Hamilton to close the public hearing. Commissioner Thorsen seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. Comments Commissioners indicated their support for the variance noting the addition as presented maintains the character of the neighborhood. Motion Commissioner Thorsen moved to approve an eight-foot front yard setback variance at 5512 Hillside Court as requested subject to the plans presented and compliance with the conditions and comments listed in the Environmental Engineer’s memo. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. VI. Community Comment None. VII. Reports/Recommendations None. Correspondence And Petitions Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials. Chair And Member Comments Commissioner Bennett stated that he noticed the Council rejected the 72nd and France proposal that was recommended for approval by the Commission and asked staff for input on the difference of decision. Planner Aaker stated that heightened density and traffic were discussion topics. Commissioner Strauss acknowledged the number of residents that attended and spoke at the Council meeting, noting that the Commission did not have a chance to see that public position and therefore he was surprised at the public opposition. Commissioner Lee stated these projects have been in the Southdale area and perhaps it would be an idea for the Greater Southdale Work Group to have more public meetings on heightened density. She stated that height and density will continue to be issues in that area. Commissioner Nemerov stated that the Southdale Work Group publishes its meeting schedule and allows public comment at each meeting. He stated that the group has engaged people and has opportunity for engagement. The Commission discussed the different roles of each type of group. Commissioner Strauss provided an update on the 70th and Cahill update, noting that a draft form was reviewed with direction for the consultant. He stated that the next review of the proposal final form of the report will be on June 28th. Commissioner Nemerov reported that the second 50th and France meeting will be held the following morning at 7:30 a.m. Staff Comments No comments. Adjournment Commissioner Thorsen moved to adjourn the June 13, 2018, Meeting of the Edina Planning Commission at 8:14 PM. Chair Olsen seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. Jackie Hoogenakker Respectfully submitted