01-18-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Cramblit inquired how the original existing detached garage would be used now. Mr. Downing explained it was his intent to demolish this building and build an attached garage in the future. Commissioner Miller asked when the project would be completed. Mr. Downing noted he did not currently have a timeline. Commissioner Cramblit questioned if the homeowner was aware of the City’s new zoning code prior to constructing the garage. Mr. Downing noted he was somewhat aware there was a change and spoke with the City about a Cambria roof. He explained the original garage was exactly the same minus the dormers and with a 10/12 pitch. He built the garage with a 12 pitch roof to allow for additional head room. He stated he spoke with the building inspector about the roof height and a comment was made that the height “would not be measured” by staff. For this reason, he went ahead with the 12 pitch roof and ordered the different trusses in August 2010. Commissioner Schiltgen indicated the garage constructed was a long way off from the original plans approved for the building permit. Chair Stevenson stated the City Code in place at the time of actual construction limits accessory structures to be no higher than 18 feet. He questioned how the City dealt with new construction using “green” or “used” building materials. Associate Heller stated this area of the international building code was changing with the push towards green building. The building official typically allows “used” building materials as long as they are in good condition and the original structural integrity is still in place. She noted the building official would have more information on this issue. Chair Stevenson commented City staff approved a building permit for a design that was then not followed by the homeowner. He questioned if the plans would have been approved if resubmitted. Associate Heller stated the revised plans would not have been approved by staff as the height exceeds City Code. Chair Stevenson expressed concern with this case and stated he would not have been in favor of approving this variance request if submitted prior to construction. He did not see the property as being unusual and therefore, the construction of a garage this tall would not have been allowed. Chair Stevenson stated that he did not support the variance request before the Commission this evening. Doug Less, owner of 7984 Woodlawn Drive, explained he lived on Woodlawn Drive from July of 1987 to April of 2007. He planned to tear down the house and build a new home and large