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Mounds View Planning Commission June 21, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 24 Commissioner Thomas stated in light of the many ideas the Commission was considering with this examination, the square footage of the house was becoming less and less important. She suggested that rather than having to review the Code again in two years because the City is attempting to micromanage the square footage issue, they should simply eliminate this restriction. Planning Associate Ericson stated he did not agree that the square footage of the house was becoming less important, and he did not believe the City has ever minimized the fact that there are principle and accessory structures. Commissioner Thomas stated they have already allowed the 952 square foot garage, regardless of the size of the house, and therefore, based upon a 600 square foot house, the principal structure would already be the garage. Planning Associate Ericson stated this was correct in relation to the current discussion, however, not from a historical standpoint. Commissioner Hegland stated it would be false to consider the footprint as the principal structure, in that there are many one and a half and two story homes in the community. Planning Associate Ericson stated staff’s role was to offer assistance and support, and would draft language to reflect whatever the Commission feels is appropriate. Chairperson Peterson stated he believed everyone was entitled to a standard sized garage, and part of the reason for this is that there are numerous lots on which the garages and possibly the houses as well, are substandard. He explained that if the property owners wish to improve these properties, the first sensible step would be to construct a standard sized garage, after which they might wish to expand their house. Commissioner Johnson agreed. He stated he was aware of an individual who had constructed a 1,248 square foot garage prior to building a large addition on his house, after which he constructed an addition on the back of the house. Planning Associate Ericson stated staff has received sufficient information to draft language for consideration at the next meeting of the Planning Commission, and to continue the discussion regarding what is appropriate. Julie Olsen, 2663 Lake Court Circle stated she agreed with Commissioner Thomas. She stated the footprint of the house was totally irrelevant, because there are one and a half story homes, cape cods, two stories, and four level homes to consider. She stated the foundation size should not be a basis for how large a property owner is permitted to build another structure. She explained that people start improving their properties at some point, and it is much less expensive to improve the garage than the house, therefore, they begin with the garage and eventually add on to the house.