08-17-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission August 3, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approve Minutes None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Case VR2005-009. Consideration of a Variance Request to Construct a Porch Addition that would encroach into the Prevailing Front Yard Setback. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating the applicants, Greg and Elizabeth Newman, 5323 Jackson Drive, are proposing to construct a porch addition to the front of their home. The addition would encroach into the prevailing front yard setback. The prevailing setback for homes on this block is approximately 48 feet; however, the typical building setbacks are thirty feet. Director Ericson stated for approval of the request there needs to be a demonstrated hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property. The property’s only extraordinary circumstance is the prevailing setback of 48 feet. A six-foot front porch, which encroaches four feet into the front setback, would be the minimum variance necessary to alleviate the perceived hardship. Director Ericson noted the Planning Commission has received one letter from a neighbor stating they have no issue with the requested variance. He recommended the Planning Commission take action to approve, deny, or table the request. Acting Chair Miller asked why the front yard setback is at 48 feet. She also asked if this is approved could the rest of the neighborhood add a porch. Director Ericson stated the houses were constructed at that level and there is no indication why. He noted granting this variance request would not change the prevailing setback but would provide an opportunity for neighbors to make similar requests. Commissioner Zwirn asked if there are any pictures and/or designs of the porch. Greg Newman, 53232 Jackson Drive, stated they are putting a second story addition on their house. They are taking the gable and swapping it from north south to east west and adding a porch in front. He stated the porch would be an old fashion, southern style, wide-open porch with pillars. Acting Chair Miller asked if the porch would be six feet. Mr. Newman stated since one half of the house sticks out farther than the other the porch would go on the other half. Commissioner Hegland asked if the porch would line up with the house on the south side and if it would be staggered in height. Mr. Newman stated the porch extends out five feet farther than the house. He added the roof is elevated so the porch would be dropped down to the roofline.