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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 1996 Mr. Continenza voiced concern on Condition #1 that the driveway in the rear yard be removed. He needs the driveway so he can use the doors on both ends of the garage so he doesn't have to shuffle vehicles around. Since the driveway already exists, there is nothing in code prevents double door garage. Elmer Dittman, 3624 Layton Avenue N., stated the driveway right next door to him goes from the street to the alley, why can't he have it? M/S/P Hunt/Johnston - to approve Case No. W96-36 the variance request by Steve Continenza based on the Findings of Fact Items 1-5 in the City Planner's report with the hardship found in Items 1, 2, 3; including a condition of approval that the existing garage be removed 60 days after the building permit is Issued and because of the large amount of impervious surface there will be no further formal accessory buildings with approval of this variance. (Motion passed 5-0). B. Modifications to expansion plans to Lake Elmo Inn, 3442 Lake Elmo Avenue. Applicant: John Schiftz The City approved a site and plan review and variances for expansion of the Lake Elmo Inn at their February 6,1996 meeting. Since that meeting, the owner of the Inn has worked with a new architect and has prepared modifications to the plan. The site plan indicates there will be an additional 200 sq.ft. area added to the kitchen. The setback from the property line is still more than the approved variance for a side yard setback (10 ft. approved where 50 ft. is required). The front entryway will be recessed so the entrance to the building will be directly into the addition rather than where the existing building is located. The second story windows will be eliminated since it will be a one-story building. The roof lines will match the existing house and Inn. City Planner Terwedo recommended approval of the modifications since they do not require additional variances and the overall plan has not greatly changed. M/S/P Hunt/Johnston - to approve the modifications to the plan for the Lake Elmo Inn as presented at this meeting. (Motion passed 5-0). Council member DeLapp asked if the parking area has been taken care of. Administrator Kueffner responded it has not been resolved. Mr. Schiftz purchased a house which he offered to tear down and use for off-street parking. The staff asked John Schiltz to wait on this until we get the Old Village study done because we didn't think a parking lot on the main street through Lake ELmo would be desirable. C. Modifications to expansion plans for home at 10899 32nd Street. Applicant: Mike Downs Planner Terwedo explained staff was led to believe Mike Downs was expanding the home and adding an attached garage. After approval of the variances, the applicant did tear down the home to its foundation and no longer intended to take the garage down. A building permit has been submitted to the City which proposes the existing home not have an attached garage and the existing garage remain. This went beyond what the Council had approved. Attorney Dave Snyder submitted exchanges he felt was relevant to the issue when he reviewed the videotape of the council meeting. Mr. Snyder stated it was Mr. Downs understanding that he could level the first level of the house if it was proven to be necessary. Downs was not clear as he should have been in his application. Since Mr. Downs building plans were changing as he spoke and there was a substantial modification from the last application which was approved by the Council, Attorney Filla requested that a detailed plan should be submitted by the applicant showing exactly what his intentions are with dates for renovation completion or he has the option of proceeding under the permit as approved.