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Mounds View Planning Commission June 21, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 18 house on the property, it would be unlikely that anyone would notice the second garage in the back, however, the safeguard would be that each property owner would have 952 square feet, and they would be allowed 1,400 if they are able to maintain the 20 percent back yard coverage requirement, and so not exceed the footprint of the house. Commissioner Thomas reiterated that she was not in favor of a restriction based upon the square footage of the house. Commissioner Laube stated the Commission had considered an application for a 50-foot garage in the back of the property, which already had a single car garage in the front. He inquired how large the second garage could be in the back if the City does not apply any restrictions. Commissioner Thomas stated this is the point at which the 20 percent rear yard coverage requirement would be applicable. Commissioner Laube pointed out that this property owner had sufficient lot area to support a building of this size. Commissioner Thomas stated this was his house, his lot, in the back yard, and he should be allowed to do this. She stated the City was trampling on people’s toes, and that is the point at which they would move to different communities Commissioner Laube disagreed. He stated this property owner would now have that large garage in the back yard, and would then desire to add on to the house. He inquired at what point this would result in excessive lot coverage. Commissioner Hegland stated the property owner should be encouraged to add on to the house. Commissioner Laube stated this was correct, however, he would not desire that the yard be completely covered with a garage structure. Commissioner Thomas stated the lot coverage requirement is already in the Code, and the house would not be able to be expanded if the lot exceeds the coverage ratio. Planning Associate Ericson advised that this provision is not specified in the Code. Commissioner Laube stated language would have to be added to address this. Commissioner Thomas stated she would be very comfortable in tying the requirement to size of the lot. She explained that if they have sufficient lot area, they should have the freedom to build their accessory storage space up to a certain limit, and they could restrict this to three buildings, however, they should give the community the freedom to do this. Planning Associate Ericson inquired if the Commission would consider the current ratio based upon 20 percent coverage of the back yard, or the total lot coverage ratio. Commissioner Laube stated they were not allowed to build in the front of the property, and the structure would have to be constructed in the back yard, therefore, the percentage should be set based upon the back yard area.