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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 17, 1989 PAGE 7 Bohrer had a concern with the sideyard setback, especially with Schwarz giving the hardship, that the garage could not be moved to the east because of the drainfield, was created by the application for such a large garage. Although this garage size 38' x 26' = 988 SF is less than the 1,000 SF accessory structure allowed in the code, the large size may not be appropriate in this small 0.37 acre lot. A more typical size double car garage such as 24' x 24' might be installed without a side yard variance and not interfere with the septic system. Rohrer voiced a great concern for the septic system and the availability of land due to the size of the proposed garage. The soil tests were marginal in 1986 and there was no oversi.zing in the system at all.. Bohrer stated he would not recommend anything that would take away land that might be needed for an alternate site. Mayor Dunn closed the public hearing at 9:25 p.m. Councilman Williams suggested the garage be shorter in the 38' direction which would be north/south, then it could be moved over and not infringe on the drainfiel.d. According to the drawing, a pedestrian door is located on the side near the tree. Williams gave, as an example, his garage that is similarly designed and the door is way behind the tree. Todd suggested he could move the garage more to the center of the lot and would have about: 7' between the wall of the existing garage and the steps. Schwarz would then have 8 1/2', as opposed to the 10' required. Williams would be more inclined to grant a variance of only 1 1/2 feet. Councilman Hunt visited the sight and had a safety concern with garages that are built so close together. Based on the marginal soils, Hunt felt we should preserve sufficient ground for an alternate system. He would be against a sideyard setback variance. Councilman Graves was not opposed to building a garage in the location proposed if it is significantly downsized because he does not feel granting variances is a good policy. The City Engineer stated the drawing that was included in the packet was not drawn to scale as accurately as the drawing that was displayed at the meeting. He suggested a new schematic be submitted showing all of the things that might affect the variance such as: the location of the drainfield and the waterline and what might be an acceptable size garage. Williams emphasized he would like to see the garage moved as far to the east as possible because there is room there to work with and felt this should be measured out very caref.ullly. M/S/P Graves/Hunt - to postpone consideration of the David Schwarz application until a new schematic showing the drainfield and waterline location and an acceptable garage size is submitted. (Motion carried 5-0).