04-02-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission April 2, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Hiye indicated that it seems to be a quality structure but he is surprised that the garage was built in the back. Chair Stevenson indicated that the structure in the back is a shed and it will not house cars. Torri Johnson of 7730 Long Lake Road indicated she was concerned that the structure meets the City’s Codes as well as aesthetics but has decided that the difference in setbacks provides character to the neighborhood. She then said her only real concern is that there is a safety issue since the structure is forward of the others and blocks the line of sight down the street. She also expressed concern for the underground utilities, especially the pipeline, and asked Staff to look into whether there are any special setback requirements from the pipeline. Director Ericson agreed to look into any potential issues with the pipeline. Mr. Zinser indicated that someone from Lot 2 had been given information from the City that the setback is 30 feet. He then said that a 40-foot setback for that lot would dramatically affect the size of the house on the corner lot. He further commented that they want to work with the neighbors and comply with City requests but this error would be too costly to rectify as there are 12-inch thick concrete walls. Scott Davis indicated this was a very unfortunate situation and told the neighbors he had hoped to meet them under less ominous circumstances and in no way wants to alienate them. He then said that he and his wife are willing to assume the costs of enlarging the living space in order to resolve the oversize garage issue. Mr. Davis explained that the reason the shed is in the back is because he is a carpenter and has a lot of woodworking equipment and the shed was to provide a woodworking shop for him. He further indicated that the house is located where it is in an attempt to keep the neighbors from looking at the back half of his house instead of grass and trees but he would have been willing to move it back had he known about the setback. Mr. Davis indicated he appreciated the safety concern of the neighbors but said that before the trees were taken out for construction you could not see down the street. The Commission asked Staff to look into the pipeline issue. Commissioner Zwirn commented that if this variance came before the Commission prior to construction there is no way it would be approved and he does not feel it is proper to approve this after the fact. He then said that it is unfortunate that the City made a mistake but the structure is very imposing and there is an opportunity to rectify the situation rather than modifying the rules to allow it to continue. He further commented that this home affects what happens on Lots 2 and 3.