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Mounds View Planning Commission December 7, 2011 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ garage. He turned in the original set of drawings to the City and the City did not accept the plans as the garage size exceeded 1,800 square feet. The plans were then revised to reduce the garage size to meet the City’s standards. After submitting the second set of plans, he was told the home needed to be completed first before the accessory structure could be built. And tonight he learned the height requirements for garages have now changed. Mr. Less expressed frustration that this garage exceeded the height limitations and allowable square footage, and in addition, there was no driveway to the structure. He was upset with the mess created by the homeowner. He recommended that the second story be removed from this structure. Joanna Carlson, 8051 Woodlawn Drive, stated she did not object to the size of the garage as it allowed for necessary storage. However, if this variance were approved, it could steamroll into a problem in the future and set precedence. Christy Downing, 8027 Woodlawn Drive, understood the City should not make exceptions. She indicated her husband was working with building inspector Don on the garage, and perhaps he did not understand the issues that would be created by exceeding the height. Ms. Downing explained that her husband did not knowingly defy the City and its code. Jerry Espeseth, 8005 Woodlawn Drive, indicated the garage was well built, however Mr. Downing did not follow City Code. He stated his property value was down approximately 35% and the large garage structure was not helping. He requested additional screening be added if the Commission allowed for the variance. Mr. Downing commented there were three garages with larger footprints than his within 200 feet of his property. He stated the height allowed the building to block the Medtronic building. He felt the garage should be considered a story and a half and not a two story. He stated that several of his neighbors were not in compliance for issues on their property, but he was not bringing them before the City. Mr. Downing noted he had approval from Staff for a similar garage and requested the structure be allowed to remain. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. Associate Heller reviewed the two versions of resolutions before the Commission this evening. Chair Stevenson reviewed the resolution in detail commenting he did not see this property as being unique. He indicated the property owner could have improved his property by adding an accessory structure that met the City’s requirements. For that reason, he did not feel the Commission could approve this variance. Commissioner Cramblit agreed stating the garage should have followed the original plans submitted and approved by staff.