Laserfiche WebLink
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 18, 2004 5 <br />B. Update on Building Dept. Activities: Building Official <br /> <br />The Building Official reported there were new no residential building permits and two <br />new commercial building permits issues in the month of April, 2004. He said Prairie Ridge Office Park has started construction on their first office building. The Building <br />Official advised that a lawn sprinkler system requires an installation permit and can be <br />dangerous if not installed correctly so Gopher One should be called for locates. <br /> <br />8. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT:NONE 9. PLANNING, LAND USE & ZONING: <br />A. Resolution No. 2004-043:Drainfield Setback Variance:Gary Webster, <br />3604 Layton Avenue <br />The City Planner reported that at its May 10th meeting, the Planning Commission <br />conducted a public hearing and recommended denial of Gary Webster’s application, at <br />3604 Layton Avenue, to place a new septic drain field within 5 feet of a property line (10 <br />feet required), and within 12 feet of a structure (20 feet required). Planner Dillerud reported the variance application is responsive to a 2003 amendment to Section 700 of <br />the City Code that establishes a variance procedure for septic standards that is identical to <br />the Zoning Ordinance variance procedure, including required Findings. <br /> <br />Dillerud noted that those Planning Commissioners opposed primarily observed that the denial will not preserve a backup drain field site. A garage could be constructed where <br />the new drainfield is proposed – thereby using up the secondary site – without a variance. <br /> <br />Mr. Webster said the 2-10 year plan for sewering the Old Village does not do him any <br />good. If there is a 30-year life span of a septic system, then why should there be a problem. The layout of the house would not allow for a garage to the north side. <br /> <br />Council members indicated it would be a bad precedent to move a functioning drain field <br />system. <br /> M/S/P Johnston/DeLapp - to approve Resolution No. 2004-043, A Resolution denying <br />the septic setback variances at 3604 Layton Avenue based on Findings and the <br />recommendation of the Planning Commission. (Motion passed 3-0). <br /> <br />B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Accessory Structures <br />Planner Dillerud reported the Council referred the issue of existing accessory structure <br />exterior surfacing provisions of the Zoning Ordinance to the Planning Commission for a <br />public hearing and recommendation. A resident has voiced concern regarding provisions <br />of the Zoning Ordinance that precludes the option of red surfacing of an accessory structure since the principal structure (house) is light gray. The Code provides that all <br />accessory structures must be of color similar to the principal structure or earth tone.