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MINUTES
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 7, 1987
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Chairperson Black called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
CALL TO
ORDER
Black, Daykin, Mead, Grittner, Northrop, Nestingen and Duncan. Also PRESENT
present was Council Liaison Wallin.
Finegan and Boche.
Dean Schwalm, 1725 Asbury, requested a variance to construct an addition
to their home less than 30 feet from the rear lot line. He advised that
the addition would be 21 feet from the lot lice, be constructed using cedar
siding to blend with the brick construction, shrubs will be added to hide
footings, and windows will be placed on three sides of the room addition.
The cement work has been done (due to the possibility of early frost) and
building permit has been applied for. Mr. Schwalm presented a letter from
his neighbors voicing no objections.
After a discussion, Duncan moved, seconded by Daykin, to approve the
variance request. Motion approved unanimously.
The Planning Commission next discussed the expiration of the front yard
moratorium.
Northrop stated she was philosophically opposed to the Planning Commission
setting rules for the construction of front yard fences since in the
neighborhood in which she resides there are several that are very attractive.
She finds it difficult that an ordinance could be written that would be
designed in such a fashion to provide a very broad umbrella to cover all
aspects.
Mead was of the opinion that tastes in construction have changed over the past
twenty years and rules should be set for front yard fence construction. There
should not be a wide open book because it could cause many problems.
Black was concerned about the safety issue, which should be considered--
especially in uncontrolled intersections.
Nestingen conversely stated that for security reasons some residents might
wish to build front yard fences--particularly those streets that have a lot
of traffic such as Larpenteur or Snelling. Northrop also was of the opinion
that front yard fences make front yards more private and, therefore, more
useable.
ABSENT
DEAN
SCHWALM
1725
ASBURY
VARIANCE
APPROVED
FRONT
YARD
FENCES
ADDRESSED
Daykin was concerned about the visibility issue. If it is stated that front
yard fences should be 60~ opaque, then chain link fences could be placed in
• front yards and she was very much against such. fences being constructed in
front yards.
Northrop also pointed out that due to the new construction in the Falcon Woods
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 7, 1987
area with decks being built on second stories, which could also be the case in
residential areas abutting apartment complexes, these decks take away the
privacy residences previously had so people are moving into their front yards.
Grittner stated that in most cases the lot sizes in Falcon Heights are small
and to build front yard fences on 40 foot lots would be unsightly. He would
like to have the. Planning Commission approve the plan of front yard
fences prior to construction.
After further discussion, the Planning Commission requested that Councilmember
Wallin express the following recommendations to the City Council concerning the
construction of front yard fences: Consider (1) height (possibly staying with
36" as a starting point), (2) set backs from the lot lines, (3) width of the
lots in the area, (4) adjacent use, (5) visibility/opaqueness factor limitation,
(6) approval of the neighbors, and (7) overall impact on neighborhood and
aesthetics. Therefore, it is recommended that front yard fences be prohibited
in Falcon Heights but a variance provision be incorporated taking into account
the above considerations.
Mead expressed concern about the number of unrelated people that can be renting
homes in the city and the problems that are can be caused by noise, commercial
vehicles being parked either on the street or driveways, many vehicles surrounding
• the residences, and residences not being kept up in the manner they would be
if they were not rented or owned by more a large number of unrelated persons. The
Council Liaison advised of previous discussions with the city attorney and
the advice he had given the City Council. Mead and Gritter expressed concern
over the problems that could be caused and felt the issue needs to again be
addressed.
Black advised that three members (Mead, Northrop and Finegan) terms are to MEAD'S
expire on December 31. Mead has served as a member of the Planning Commission TERM
since 1981 filling three terms. Black thanked him for his dedicated service on
the Commission. He also advised that three applicants have submitted applications
to become members of the Commission.
Grittner moved, seconded by Mead, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 P.M. Motion ADJOURNMEN
carried unanimously.
Edgar vegan, Secr t ry
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