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Mounds View Planning Commission March 15, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 19 Commissioner Stevenson pointed out that if the configuration of the back of the lot were extrapolated to the front, there would be more than a 30-foot setback. He explained that because of the irregular shape of the lot, which narrows in the front, there is an exception. Commissioner Miller stated she did not believe there was a certain right to have a specific number of stalls. She stated that while the City allows three-car garages, two-car garages are quite typical in this area. Commissioner Johnson inquired regarding the square-footage of accessory building area of the lot. Planning Associate Ericson stated this was 864 square feet, plus an additional 100 square feet, if including the shed. Commissioner Stevenson advised that this was less than the maximum requirement. Commissioner Miller indicated they were not denying garages per se, as the applicant already has a two-car garage. Commissioner Stevenson indicated they also could not deny the request on the basis of requesting a third stall. He stated he did not believe the number of stalls, unless it exceeded three stalls, was relevant. Commissioner Hegland explained that in order to interpret this properly, the Commission would have to compare corner lots of the same shape, which would be very difficult. He advised that the intent of the 30-foot setback on corner lots is to address traffic visibility. Chairperson Peterson stated the setback requirement was in place for other reasons as well. He explained that the front yard setback of all homes along the block is 30 feet, which carries through to the corner, and is uniform all the way down the block. He stated a variance would result in structures located too close to the street in relationship to other structures on that block. He stated the main argument for the 30-foot setback is this uniformity. Commissioner Stevenson stated the 30-foot setback is normally required to maintain that the structures would all be in alignment. Mr. Millhouse indicated his home, located on Lot 5, is setback 37 feet from the street at one point. Chairperson Peterson stated he had concerns with regard to the second criteria, in that granting the variance might confer on the applicant special privileges denied to the owners of other properties in the same district. He explained that he was concerned that approval of this request might set a precedent, and the owners of other corner lots would desire the same consideration. He pointed out it could be argued that this is not a typical corner lot. Commissioner Hegland indicated he perceived this proposal to be an improvement to the property, and not unusual. He stated the City was nearly fully developed, and there have been a number of requests for additions to structures.