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Mounds View Planning Commission May 20, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Birken explained that Mr. Horbul had a very nice home and she appreciated the fact that Mr. Horbul stored his recreational toys within his oversized garage. She discussed the City’s variance law and believed that the request did not meet all of the variance requirements. Mr. Horbul commented that the driveway was original since 1977 and he was simply requesting that the driveway width remain as is. Associate Heller reported that driveway width requirements have always been limited by the City, first to 22 feet and then 24 feet. Commissioner Love believed that the variance criteria were open to interpretation. It was her opinion that traffic safety would not be compromised if the driveway was to remain 34 feet wide. In addition, she thought the driveway width would not negatively impact the aesthetics of the neighborhood. She explained that the unique circumstances could be construed to be the fact that the property owner purchased the home with the existing driveway width and curb cut. Vice Chair Schiltgen understood the safety concerns, but questioned how much traffic was moving along Knollwood Drive. Mr. Horbul discussed the traffic along Knollwood Drive stating the traffic speed was increasing. Commissioner Kieffer questioned the length of Mr. Horbul’s driveway. Mr. Horbul was uncertain. Commissioner Birken believed that the variance criteria was not being met in Mr. Horbul’s request and explained that all other residents in Mounds View were able to back their trailers and fish houses into their garage with a 24-foot wide apron. Vice Chair Schiltgen agreed. Mr. Horbul reiterated that he was not asking for anymore apron than he already had. He simply wanted the apron put back to the same condition it was when he purchased his home. George Grone, 8424 Knollwood Drive, did not believe that Mr. Horbul’s driveway looked out of place. He recommended that the driveway and apron be allowed to remain as is. Vice Chair Schiltgen closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Elofson/Commissioner Birken. To approve Resolution 1027-15, a Resolution Recommending Denial of a Variance for a Curb Cut to Exceed 24-Feet Wide at 8382 Knollwood Drive; Planning Case No. VR2015-002. Ayes – 4 Nays – 2 (Kieffer and Love) Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ B. VR2015-003 Variance Request to Allow a Driveway with a 2-foot Setback