09-25-96 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL 5EPTEt4BER 25, 1996 wishing to comment on this matter. Jebens indicated that Little Canada is a well- established, developed community. Most properties have good-sized lots. Jebens did not feel the City would be faced with a lot of requests similar to his, and encouraged the Council to keep the standards it has and deal with requests on a case-by-case basis. Jebens did not feel approval of his variance request would create any undue hardship for the Council in the future. Scalze felt if the City approved the variance, it would have no reason to say no to future requests. Scalze felt there were a lot of people who would like to do what Jebens is proposing, and suggested if the Council feels this should be permitted, then the Code should be changed. Fahey stated that there was no difference between a three season porch and a building addition. If the City grants the variance, it will have to approve a variance for the next person making the request. Fahey felt there was no hardship present to justify the variance. There was no one from the general public present wishing to comment further on this matter. Upon motion by LaValle, seconded by Morelan, the public hearing was closed. Morelan asked the rational for maintaining a 30 foot rear yard. The Planner replied that setbacks are required to maintain private open space and separation between buildings. 30 feet is a very common standard for a rear yard. Morelan asked the setback for a deck. The Planner replied that decks are allowed within 10 feet of the property line, and can encroach into the rear yard setback. This is because a deck does not have walls, but is rather a floor area with a railing. Morelan pointed out that the deck already exists, and Jebens is requesting to put up three walls and a roof. Morelan did not believe this would change the character of the neighborhood. Morelan felt that on the surface the request makes sense. However, in looking at the 5