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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />MAY 8, 1997 <br />neighborhood would be a big mistake. Leis indicated that there is a <br />certain curb appeal for each house in the neighborhood, and felt the <br />particular house that is being proposed to be moved in would hurt <br />neighborhood property values. <br />Keis asked if that was an opinion or a fact. <br />Leis responded that he could provide comparables showing what has <br />happened in other neighborhoods when houses have been moved in. <br />Keis pointed out that the Planning Commission needs to make a <br />determination of whether or not the house fits the character of the existing <br />neighborhood. That includes whether the size, type of structure, siding, <br />etc. is comparable with other homes in the neighborhood. <br />Leis replied that he could argue that the house doesn't come close to the <br />existing neighborhood, pointing out that no other house in the <br />neighborhood has a tuck -under garage. <br />Keis pointed out that the proposal involves the elimination of the tuck - <br />under garage, converting that space to living area, and the addition of a <br />garage to the front of the house. <br />The City Planner pointed out that the house is not just placed on the lot <br />and left as is. The size of the living area must be increased and the house <br />must comply with all building codes. The Planner pointed out that <br />Hennepin County has a $53,000 valuation on the structure. The Ramsey <br />County Assessor has indicated that the proposed improvements will <br />increase the value of the structure by $25,000 to $26,000. This brings the <br />value of the structure to approximately $79,000 that is reflective of the <br />values of the other houses in the Yorkton Ridge neighborhood. <br />Leis reported that one property owner on Yorkton Ridge recently rejected <br />an offer of $159,000 for his home. The Planner pointed out that he is <br />talking about tax valuations, which are traditionally lower than market <br />value. <br />Leis stated that he was concerned that the house was so dramatically <br />different than the existing houses on Yorkton Ridge even after the changes <br />are made. <br />Keis pointed out that someone could purchase the lot and construct a two - <br />bedroom house with a tuck -under garage on the lot. The proposal is only <br />before the Planning Commission because a Conditional Use Permit is <br />required to move a house in. <br />3 <br />Page 40 <br />