09-22-93 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 22, 1993 house to the south. Capsner felt these trees added uniqueness and value to the property. Capsner also felt saving the trees was a benefit to everyone living on the cul-de-sac. Capsner felt the side yard setback variance should be on the south rather than the north. Pedersen asked about the effect of grading on the trees. Capsner did not believe grading would effect the trees and pointed out that if the house were moved south on the lot, the grading would be further from the trees. Howe indicated that there are no trees on the south side of the lot, but mostly undergrowth. Howe reported that the neighbor to the south was concerned about saving trees in the back of her lot. Howe reported that the neighbor to the south preferred the house to be angled to save trees and allow more privacy for her porch. Howe reported that angling the house was a better option than placing the house straight on the lot. If the house were placed straight on the lot, it would have to be moved further back and more trees would be lost. Morelan pointed out that the original request was for a variance to the north, and the City Planner's report addresses the variance in that location. Now the request has changed to the south. The City Planner has not commented on the variance to the south, there is no site plan provided for that option, and Morelan was not sure the neighbor to the south had been given enough time to comment on the change. Morelan suggested that the Council act on the original request for a variance to the north. If the applicant wishes, he can come in and re-apply for a variance on the south property line. Howe pointed out that the Planning Commission left the location of the variance to the City Council. The City Planner reported that in considering the variance request initially, he had concerns about granting a variance for a lot which was recently platted. The Planner noted that a house can be built on the lot without a variance, but in reviewing the request, it is apparent that angling the house would be better for the neighborhood. Therefore, the Planner felt the request was reasonable and recommended approval for a five foot side yard setback along the north property line. Howe had indicated that he felt it would be easier to work with the neighbors to the north on the variance issue, and that was why he was requesting the variance on the north side. The issue of trees was not considered in the initial review. Page 9