07-06-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission July 6, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approve Minutes June 1, 2005. MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Miller. To approve the Minutes of the June 1, 2005 regular Planning Commission meeting as slightly amended. Ayes –7 Nays – 0 Motion carried. ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Case VR2005-005. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Variance Request to Reduce the Side Yard Setback to Zero Feet to Allow for a Garage Addition. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating the applicant, Keith Vasilakes, is proposing to construct an addition to his existing attached garage at 5131 Greenwood Drive. He stated the applicant previously appeared before the Planning Commission on June 1, 2005, seeking a variance to encroach 16 feet into the front setback. At that time, the Commission expressed concerns that the request was excessive and it was tabled to allow the applicant an opportunity to redesign the garage expansion plans to be more code compliant. Director Ericson stated the redesigned garage addition would extend an additional ten feet to the north, up to the north property line; therefore, there would be a zero-foot setback. He noted the Commission has never approved a zero-foot setback. He stated that for the request to be approved, there needs to be a demonstrated hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property. He noted the Planning Commission has reviewed the set of specified criteria required and has determined this criteria has not been satisfied. Director Ericson noted the Planning Commission received a letter from a neighbor opposing the zero-foot setback approval. He recommended to the Planning Commission to deny the variance as requested. He concluded that there is no opportunity to table the issue again for redesign due to the 60 days nearing an end. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Keith Vasilakes, 5131 Greenwood Drive, stated he proposed this solution because he believed this was similar to what was brought up at the June 1, 2005 meeting. Mr. Vasilakes stated he did not realize there was a zero-foot setback “problem”, and noted that he could get by with a two- foot setback if approved.