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City of Falcon Heights Planning Commission Minutes November 26, 2002 Commission Chair Heideman called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT: Heideman, Lageson, DeLeo, Harris, Maher, Middleton, Ryan. Also present were Peter Lindstrom, Council Liaison, Heather Worthington, City Administrator, Tom Scott, City Attorney, and Deb Jones, Zoning and Planning Coordinator. ABSENT: Tracy, Ziebarth MINUTES: The minutes for October 22, 2002, were approved as written. PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 9 OF THE CITY CODE, CONCERNING LOT COVERAGE IN R-1 ZONES The public hearing was opened by Commission Chair Heideman at 7:05 p.m. No one came forward wishing to speak on this issue. The public hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m. LOT COVERAGE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Commissioner Middleton moved, Lageson seconded, that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council passage of Ordinance 02-04, concerning limitations of impervious coverage of R-1 lots. The Commission has spent considerable time studying this issue, so there was no discussion. • Ms. Jones asked if there were any questions concerning an adjustment to the limits for the smallest lot category which is based on more accurate interpretation of the data on existing lot coverage. As there were none, the question was called. Motion carried, 6 in favor, 1 opposed. REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE IN REAR SETBACK AT 2190 FOLWELL AVENUE A variance of 15 feet in rear setback is requested by Dr. Fred Cooper and Dr. Helen Foster, owners/leaseholders of 2190 Folwell Avenue to construct an addition to their home. The owners wish to build a library office addition to be designed by the architectural firm that originally designed the house. No building permit is sought at this time; the variance will allow the owners and the architect to proceed with the design phase. The staff report finds that this property is unique in that the lot has street frontage on three of the four sides, severely restricting any expansion; also, that the addition of a library/office space is a reasonable use for a residence in this neighborhood and that there is no detriment to the public interest or neighboring properties. Dr. Cooper was present and addressed the Commission. Commissioner Heideman confirmed the uniqueness of the property and pointed out that if the front door of this residence faced either one of the side streets the five foot side setback would have applied and the variance would not have been necessary. Even with the variance there will still be a separation of 15 feet from the adjoining property on the south. The neighbor at 1587 Burton was also present, and said he had no objection. Ms. Jones confirmed that notices had been mailed to neighbors within 300 feet and only one response (which was positive) had been received. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variance (Resolution 02-21) to . the City Council. The Council will take up the matter on December 18.