01-08-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 3 ~ Council Member Flaherty thanked the Applicant for wanting to keep the tree. Council Member Mueller thanked the Applicant for saving the tree while still accomplishing the expansion of the garage. Mayor Marty said he called to talk to Community Development Director Ericson about this application and said he commends the Applicant for keeping the tree. He then said that he is concerned about the two-foot setback because he has been kind of a stickler about looking out for decisions that may set a precedent. Mayor Marty said that he was surprised that the Planning Commission approved the variance. He then said that he would have no issue with a larger garage or moving it closer to the tree but he would like to maintain the five-foot setback. The Applicant explained that the neighbor has 20 feet so the reduced setback should not be of concern. Mayor Mariy explained that if the new property owner would decide to put a privacy fence on the property line then there would only be two feet between the fence and this garage. • Mayor Marty indicated that he would be more comfortable following Code and allowing the expansion but requiring the five-foot setback to the property line. Council Member Flaherty asked how much property is between the Applicant's house and the neighbor on the other side. He then said that the concern is for emergency access to the backyard area, if necessary. Council Member Hull said that the Planning Commission felt the tree was a hardship that justified the two-foot setback. Council Member Stigney asked if the plan could be amended to stay five feet from the lot line. The Applicant indicated that he would not have enough room in the garage if he would have to leave the five-foot setback. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve Resolution 6991, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive. Council Member Stigney said he agreed with a lot of the Mayor's thinking about changing the setbacks and lot lines. He then said that, since the Planning Commission has reviewed this and felt that the tree location justifies hardship, he will reluctantly support this. He then said he is disappointed that the Planning Commission did not take a harder look at requiring the Applicant ~ to maintain the five-foot setback.