11-19-02 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The City Planner reported at the October 17, 2002 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted a motion moving this application to the Council without a recommendation. A motion to recommend denial of the application failed prior to the motion to move the application forward without recommendation. The Planner indicated it appeared that the division of opinion among Commissioners did not entail whether a variance of some magnitude was justified based on hardship, but rather the degree of variance the applicant has requested. The Commissioners supporting a denial recommendation appeared to be responding only to the applicant's apparent unwillingness to consider alternative designs for a garage without would result in a variance of the degree now proposed. Councilmember Dunn supported the reconstruction of the accessory structure because the garage was an existing structure, and it was typical of other garages in the area. Also, 32' Street has a different look, one of a narrow winding trail, and it is not a high speed road. Mr. Svendsen has been parking 34' into the street, and it would be safer if there was a garage. This was one of the jobs of the Old Village Committee to review the Old Village area with emphasis to the special needs of the existing Old Village. Council member Siedow noted that the new garage would not be closer to the street than the original building. Council member Armstrong stated this is a non -conforming building and once demolished can not be reconstructed. She asked Mr. Svendsen if he would move it about 4' and push it into the hill. This would give more visibility and would be a good compromise. Mayor Hunt stated his preference would be 6-8 feet and clean up on the west side Council member DeLapp thought it would be nice to be able to park a vehicle on a temporary basis. If going west, Mr. Svendsen would have to use both lanes in order to get into the garage. Svendsen said he probably would not be able to do anything until spring. The Council asked Mr. Svendsen to improve site distance on the west end of his property and the set back the garage approximately 2 - 4'. The Council asked the applicant, and he agreed, to tabling this request in order for him to submit a new proposal for a garage setback 2 or 4'. There will be no additional City fee for Mr. Svendsen to come back. M/S/P Armstrong/Siedow - to postpone to December 3, as agreed to by the applicant Eric Svendsen, to provide alternative design of a 2 or 4' setback for a garage. (Motion passed 5-0.) LAKE ELMO COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2002