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Mounds View Planning Commission June 19, 2019 <br />Regular Meeting Page 2 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br /> <br />4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda <br /> <br />None. <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />5. Planning Cases <br /> <br />A. Resolution 1101-19, Approval of a Variance to Reduce the Side Yard Setback <br />for a Driveway for the property located at 2296 Terrace Drive (Planning <br />Case VR2019-002) <br /> <br />Community Development Director Sevald stated Ron O’Connell is proposing to replace his <br />driveway, widening it to an existing retaining wall. The backside of the wall is located on or <br />near the property line. The driveway would be set back about one foot, where as a minimum 5’ <br />is required. He noted the neighbor was supportive of the requested variance. Staff provided <br />further comment on the request, recommended the Planning Commission hold a public hearing <br />and deny the variance as requested, or approve the requested one-foot setback. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson asked if there were any buildings adjacent to the property line. Ron <br />O’Connell, 2296 Terrace Drive, explained this property line had trees, bushes and shrubs. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson questioned if the retaining wall was located on the property line. Mr. <br />O’Connell reported the retaining wall was three or four feet off the property line. <br /> <br />Commissioner Klander asked if the City had setback requirements for retaining walls. <br />Community Development Director Sevald reported the City did not have any setback <br />requirements in place for retaining walls, and are reviewed on a case by case basis. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Rundle inquired if the applicant would be changing the driveway apron. Mr. <br />O’Connell explained he would not be altering the driveway apron. <br /> <br />Commissioner Farmer requested further information regarding the unique circumstances <br />surrounding this request. Community Development Director Sevald stated it was reasonable for <br />homeowners to have a two-car wide driveway that was 16 feet wide. He noted the applicant has <br />a paved 15-foot-wide driveway. He explained it was reasonable for the City to want to preserve <br />mature trees. He reported the City did not have the benefit of a survey for this property. He <br />commented on the right-of-way measurements that were completed when the road was <br />reconstructed. He anticipated the property line was along the back of the retaining wall. <br /> <br />Commissioner Farmer questioned why the City had setback requirements in place. Community <br />Development Director Sevald explained with driveways it was to provide a green strip between <br />driveways and the property line. He explained this portion of land was also to be used for snow <br />storage during the winter months. He stated he would like to see this driveway have a three-foot