PCAgenda_95Nov27 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Hoyt stated that staff recommends approval of the variance with two conditions: 1) that the garage remain in its proposed configuration in the rear 46 feet (38%) of the property and 2) • that the driveway to the street be removed if there is no longer direct vehicle access from the street into the garage. She also noted that staff would not likely have recommended approval if the proposal had been to add street access to a garage that already had alley access, because street access should be discouraged whenever it is not already existing. Also, staff would not likely have recommend approval of a variance to add alley access to an existing attached garage with street access because this would involve adding another long driveway to the rear of the property which would be inconsistent with the goal of maintaining greenspace unless the property conditions were very unique. .~~ Michael Zalk, property owner, stated that he had no objections to the conditions on the variance proposed by staff. He also stated that he has explained his plans to his neighbors and they have voiced no objections. Furthermore, he stated that when the garage is built, it may be a bit smaller than the 15' x 40' garage shown on his application. It is his intent to keep the structure as small as possible while still being functional. Commissioner Brace asked about the proposed garage's setback from the alley. Administrator Hoyt responded that since the garage door would be parallel to the alley, a five foot setback is required to allow for vehicles to turn into the building. The Zalk/Ilstad proposal shows a six foot setback. Mr. Zalk commented that although he would have preferred a greater setback, he wanted to minimize the amount of paved. and built space on his property. Commissioner Brace then asked for clarification on staff's recommendation to require removal of the existing driveway to the street. Administrator Hoyt explained that if a property owner • were to connect the proposed garage to the existing house and could not access the garage from the street, the driveway would have to be removed. The rationale for this decision is that if the driveway is not going to be used for garage access, it should be turned into greenspace to make the property consistent with others in the neighborhood. Motion was made by Commissioner Kuettel to approve the resolution recommending approval of the variance to the city council with the conditions as noted by staff. Seconded by Commissioner Brace and unanimously approved. REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS RELATED TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SNELLING AND LARPENTEUR AVENUE Administrator Hoyt told the commission that the city had hired a consultant to analyze the potential future uses of the southeast corner and make recommendations as to the future use of this property on topics such as design guidelines and how to make the property blend in with neighboring properties. The commission will be appraised of the consultant's recommendations in the coming months. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Carla Asleson, Planner and Recording Secretary '' •