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Mounds View Planning Commission November 4, 2020 <br />Regular Meeting Page 2 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <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. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1122-20; Variance to Reduce the Front <br />(Side) Yard Setback for an Attached Garage at 2512 County Road H2 <br /> <br />Community Development Director Sevald stated Bill and Tiffany O’Malley propose to expand <br />their two-car garage into a four-car garage, towards the backyard. The lot is a corner lot (e.g. two <br />front yards). The existing garage has a non-conforming setback. The proposed addition will be <br />no closer to the front (side) yard than the current garage. Within the R-1 district, the minimum <br />front yard setback is 30’. The setback of the existing attached garage is not known, but is <br />believed to be 26’ – 27’, based on Ramsey County aerial photos. There is no known survey. It is <br />the City’s policy to require a survey for proposed buildings if within 1’ of setbacks, or other <br />critical boundaries (e.g. wetlands). The applicants are opposed to the expense of a survey, unless <br />the Variance is approved. Staff is agreeable to make a survey conditional upon approval of the <br />Variance. A similar Variance was approved in 2019 without a survey. Staff recommended the <br />Planning Commission hold a public hearing and approve the Variance as requested. <br /> <br />Commissioner Monn explained she drove by the property earlier today. She questioned if the <br />new garage would have a driveway or curb cut. She asked how the new garage would be <br />accessed. Tiffany O’Malley, 2512 County Road H2, stated the new garage would not have a new <br />driveway. She reported the new garage would be accessed through the current garage door. Bill <br />O’Malley, 2512 County Road H2, indicated the new garage would be added onto the existing <br />garage and would be accessed by driving through the existing garage. <br /> <br />Commissioner Monn inquired if this property had too many buildings on it. Community <br />Development Director Sevald explained City Code allows 20% of the back yard to be covered by <br />accessory buildings. He reported this has only been a concern for corner properties. He noted <br />once the new garage was constructed, this property would be at 20%. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rundle asked if the new garage would have a door in the back. Mr. O’Malley <br />reported the rear side would have a garage door for access purposes. He noted the garage could <br />also be accessed by a service door. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson stated he did not believe the homeowners today should be penalized for a <br />bad measurement that was taken years ago. He indicated he supported the requested variance. <br /> <br />Commissioner Monn questioned if vehicles had to be parked on pavement or gravel. <br />Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Mr. O’Malley explained