10-05-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission September 21, 2011 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ with other things and before long, the curb was completed across his south driveway. Mr. Lestina noted the south driveway has been used for the past 35 years and should be grandfathered in. He said that they still use this driveway and requested that the Commission approve the second curb cut to assist with access to his home. Commissioner Cramblit indicated the Mounds View City Code only allows for one curb cut. Mr. Lestina understood this to be City Code, but felt because the south driveway had been in use for 35 years, they should be allowed to keep it. Commissioner Cramblit encouraged the applicant to cease driving over the city curb as this could cause damage and it would be the property owner’s expense to fix it. He explained that when the new garage and driveway was built in 1993, the south driveway was forfeited. He encouraged the homeowner to instead expand the northern driveway to bring it closer to the home, with an asphalt walking path or parking area. Ms. Lois Lestina described her health concerns over the past year and indicated that closer access to the home was crucial at this time. Chair Stevenson stated an improved “T” section off the north driveway would be an option which would offer closer access to the home. Associate Heller showed a drawing as to how this could be done on the site. Mr. Lestina questioned if the southern driveway could be grandfathered in, according to City Code. Commissioner Cramblit explained that once the old garage was demolished, the homeowner forfeited the driveway in this location. A new garage was built, and a driveway now serviced the garage on the north side. Mr. Lestina indicated the driveway to the south offered access directly to the house, while the north driveway accessed the garage. Chair Stevenson stated according to City Code, the relocation of the garage relocated the driveway. In addition, the south driveway was too close to the property line and needed to be at least five feet from the line. Ms. Lestina reviewed a land survey with the Commission. She indicated there were two feet of property in question. Ms. Lestina was upset with the discrepancy as the neighboring property placed a planter along the presumed property line. Chair Stevenson encouraged the property owner to resolve this issue with City Staff, as it was not what was being discussed at this time.