11/12/2003 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board October 8, 2003 Page 4 Mr. Tralle asked if applicant would be willing to move the garage up and connect it to the house. Mr. Kivel replied he would be willing to do that if they could work it out with the County where the setback line was. He indicated he could move the garage back to meet the setback of 60 feet. Ms. Gretz reminded the applicant and board members that the 60 feet was not a setback requirement, it was a right -of -way need of the County. She noted if they moved the garage back and attached it to the home, it might solve Anoka County's future right -of- way issue, but it would not solve the City issue regarding the required 40 -foot street setback. She indicated that even if the applicant could move the garage to accommodate Anoka County's future needs, the applicant would still be right on the property line and would not be providing a street setback. Mr. Tralle stated if that applicant attached the garage to the home, then he would not need one of the two variances requested. Ms. Gretz replied that was correct, but that he would still need the second variance for the 40 -foot street setback requirement. Mr. Tralle suggested Mr. Kivel obtain a better survey and come back to the Board. Mr. Hyden noted there was still the issue that this was a large variance and they had to be conscious about setting a precedent. Mr. Tralle stated he believed they needed to look at each individual property and that was the reason for variances. Mr. Kivel pointed out the circumstance he had was very unique and this was the only place he could put the garage on the property. He stated he did not believe other residents would have this type of a unique circumstance. Mr. Hyden pointed out sometimes there was no solution to an issue. Chair Schaps asked if Mr. Kivel would be willing to put in a 12 -foot wide garage, to make a longer garage. Mr. Kivel replied that was a possibility, but that would not solve the 40 -foot setback issue. Chair Schaps stated his concern was that Anoka County would in the future say the garage was in the way and the homeowner would come back to the City. Mr. Kivel stated this was a very unique situation and that was the reason he was asking for a variance. Ms. Lane suggested applicant talk to his neighbor to the north to see if they would be willing to sell a portion of his land, or swap land, in order for Mr. Kivel to build his garage to the north of his home, or provide enough room for a drive to extend along the north of his home so that a garage could be sited to the east of the home. Mr. Smyser stated the issue was that they did not have accurate information from the applicant's survey at this time regarding the setback distances. Chair Schaps asked if they should table this until next month to allow Mr. Kivel time to investigate if he could purchase or swap land from the neighbor to the north and for staff DRAFT MINUTES • • •