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Mounds View Planning Commission July 16, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Consideration of Resolution No. 733-03 Approving a Variance to Allow a Reduced Front Yard Setback to Construct an Addition. VR03-005 Community Development Director Ericson explained the applicant’s request and indicated that the homes in the area are all setback at 50 feet from the property line and are 75 feet from the street. He then indicated that he had included the letter from the applicant explaining her request and addressing the issue of hardship in this case. Director Ericson indicated that Staff reviewed the criteria and feels that sufficient hardship exists to meet the requirements and recommends approval. He then indicated that this matter was set for public hearing and there are residents in attendance for the issue. He further commented that the Planning Commission would need to determine whether it feels that the hardship requirements are met and, if so, can act on Resolution 733-03 approving the variance. Commissioner Zwirn asked whether 2191, 2185, and 2295 are set back at the 50 feet because it seems the lots are shorter there. Director Ericson indicated that he had not measured all the properties on the block but it appeared that all were at the same distance from the street. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Joan Bosard addressed the Commission and indicated that the street is at an angle to the properties and she does not think that those houses are as far back. She then said that the two- story house to the right of hers has a porch that sticks out six feet from the house. Director Ericson handed out copies of the plans for the expansion of the home for review. Christy Moore of 2234 Lambert said she feels this is a good plan to improve the property and the tax base for the City and she would hope that the Commission would approve this improvement. She then commented that she will want to expand her small home in the future and would be faced with a similar set back issue and would look to the Commission for support of a variance in the future. Commissioner Johnson asked why the City’s Code is so strict on this and said that all new developments stagger the houses rather than setting them all back at the same distance. Director Ericson indicated that the City’s Code was drafted back when it was the norm to set all the houses back the exact distance.