08-23-2000 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUG -09 -2000 15:45 To: Little Canada Planning Commission From: Chris Nitardy, Alexander Homes, Inc 612 830 0450 P.02 Date: July 20, 2000 Re: Explanation as to why construction of detached garage has begun Construction of the detached garage has begun which includes demolition of a old and deteriorating chicken coop, excavating, footings and foundation walls. The work done so far has totaled approximately $16,000.00. The following is an explanation as to why I started construction on this project. I spoke with two of the neighbors (Thomas Reid and Kevin King) in the area and both parties were in favor of the Tacheny's building the detached garage in place of the old unsafe chicken coop. I was informed by Margaret Ducharrne that the third neighbor (Francis Ames) was in the hospital long term and that there would be no objections there. The surveyors said that everything made sense from their end. I submitted a copy of the blueprint and certificate of survey on June 6 and I picked up the building permit an June 16. Upon picking up the permit 1 was told by Kathy Glanzer that 1 would need to apply for a conditional use permit because the Tacheny's were exceeding the total garage square footage allowance for their property. Kathy also mentioned that the city only has a meeting once a month to decide on these types of permits. I responded by asking Kathy if there is any way to receive an expedited approval since it only makes sense to build the detached garage while the home is being built and that the cyst to build that detached garage at a later date world not he practical or cost effective. 1 also mentioned to Kathy that my concrete and framing subs live near River Falls, WI. which makes it even more difficult to build the structures separately. Kathy informed me that there is no way to expedite the process and she suggested I could start construction of the detached garage at the Tacheny's own risk. Kathy reassured me that it is rare for a conditional use permit for a detached garage to be denied if total garage sq. ft. stays under 1500 sq. ft.. It stands to reason the city would be performing inspections for the detached garage since the city said to go ahead with construction. I did have Steve Westerhaus look at the footings and forms to be sure it was inspected. Just for the record, Kathy Glanzer and Joel Hanson showed a caring and helpful attitude and they were a pleasure to work with. I was not informed of a setback problem until the Tacheny's received a report from Steve Grittman on July 1 I (35 days after applying for the permit). Receiving this report was completely unexpected. Prior to this report it was never suggested that there was a setback issue. 1 was informed that the square foot requirement was the only issue. According to Kathy, it was just a matter of getting the CUP approved (a slight risk of non approval). Then, 25 days later everything changed from what I was told earlier. The Tacheny's and myself are now informed that a variance will be needed to get the CUP approved. Now $16,000.00 worth of work has been done and the risk factor just went up. The Tacheny's may not have taken the risk of starting construction had they been properly informed of the setback issue early on. In addition. l believe Steve Grittmans interpretation of the setback ordinance needs further examination. Thank You, Chris Nitardy Alexander Homes, Inc. Page 39