PCAgenda_90Jul23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

restricts fences to three feet in height within the front yard setback. In order to qualify for a variance, the property owner must demonstrate that there is a uniqueness and hardship to the use of this property compared to other properties in the same zone (R-1) to justify departing from the normal requirement of the zoning code. Mr. Lammers identified two hardships to the commission. 1) noise from the traffic along Hamline Avenue, and 2) visual blight from adjacent and directly opposite commercial land uses. Mr. Lammers stated his house forms the barrier between the commercial land uses at the intersection of Larpenteur and Hamline Avenues. When he moved into his home in 1971, he planted a hedge to block the view of Baber Auto. The hedge is now 90 percent dead on the south side of the property adjacent to the Thatcher Clinic and dying along the front of the property. Because the house was built with a higher than average foundation, an eight foot high fence is necessary to effectively block out visibility of commercial property of Tires Plus and Baber Auto and to serve as a barrier to noise and the increasing traffic volumes on Hamline and Larpenteur. Furthermore, Mr. Lammers said a hedge is not a good sound barrier nor visual buffer during the winter. Therefore, he would like to install an 8 foot fence made of cedar split logs fit snuggly together. He might cover it with Virginia Creeper vines . • Chairperson Boche asked if a unique hardship to this property unlike other properties in R-1 zones exists and, if so, how? Mr. Lammers stated looking out the windows of his home at a commercial auto repair shop with a parking lot in front with long term parking was visual blight. Planner Hoyt reviewed her report of the variance request. She stated that because 1697 North Hamline is 1) not unique due to noise from traffic since several other homes in the city are located on busy streets, 2) not unique due to the location adjacent to a commercial property as there are several properties that are adjacent to commercial uses (Bullseye, Northome, Super America), and 3) that it might be considered unique because it is directly across from a commercial service with vehicles always parked outside. Chairperson Boche reminded everyone that in granting a variance all standards must be met (attachment 1). Planner Hoyt explained that a six foot fence along the south side lot line would be in keeping with the zoning code which requires a barrier between adjacent commercial parking places and R-1 zones . She also said that if the Thatcher Clinic owners installed a six foot fence along the clinic's rear lot line, a variance would not be needed; only a building permit. Mr. Lammers stated that he intended to have Dr. Thatcher construct the fence and he withdrew • his request for a variance for an eight foot fence along the south