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Mounds View Planning Commission September 20, 2006 <br />Regular Meeting Page 4 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Mr. Ford mentioned they built the garage late in the year, and consequently there was no time to <br />black top the driveway until spring. He stated they have stored many cars in the building for <br />years as the City code states cars without a license cannot be parked on the property. <br /> <br />Mrs. Ford continued to criteria number four restating they have seen and photographed multiple <br />properties in the City of Mounds View that have the same variance as they are requesting. On <br />criteria number five, Mrs. Ford mentioned if they are required to remove some of the asphalt, <br />they would still use the space between the properties to the north to access the garage and back <br />yard area. She stated they would need to fill the space with gravel, which will cause problems <br />with trying to keep the rocks out of the grass, deterring unsightly weeds and airborne gravel <br />when removing snow. At this time Mr. Ford displayed photos of their driveway. <br /> <br />Commissioner Scotch asked about water runoff. <br /> <br />Mrs. Ford replied they had the driveway graded so all run off goes into their yard. She stated the <br />beautiful landscaping in the yard included a large strip of gravel that holds the water runoff. Mr. <br />Ford stated they want to make the home look nice and have improved the property. He displayed <br />photos of how the property looked before they made improvements. <br /> <br />Commissioner Scotch asked Mr. Ford what type of trucks he brought onto the property. <br /> <br />Mr. Ford replied they have a truck and trailer and occasionally have tow trucks hauling in <br />vehicles. <br /> <br />Commissioner Scotch asked if the Fords are running a business out of the garage. <br /> <br />Mr. Ford stated absolutely not; it is his hobby only. <br /> <br />Mrs. Ford continued by addressing criteria number six, stating the improvements to the driveway <br />surface improved the aesthetics of the property, thereby increasing the value of their home as <br />well as the property of homes in the area. On criteria number seven, Mrs. Ford responded the <br />purpose of the variance would not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent <br />property, or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets, or increase the danger of <br />fire or endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property values. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hegland asked if a final inspection had been done. <br /> <br />Mrs. Ford stated the final inspection had not been done because they just found out they needed <br />to get the permit and the variance. She reported the garage had received the final inspection and <br />the driveway was in place at that time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hegland responded he meant the garage project because as he saw it, they applied <br />for both at the same time. <br /> <br />Mr. and Mrs. Ford stated yes they had.