Minutes - 2006/07/10 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 10, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 14 does not believe increasing the square footage is necessarily the best option and the reason the ratio for properties versus accessory storage was eliminated is because it was difficult for residents to calculate. Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 8:52 p.m. Councilmember Flaherty commended the presentation and stated he was not sure if it was presented before the Planning Commission. He stated it is a tough call, but since it is such a large overage, he cannot support the building. He asked the applicant to try and work out another proposal that is more workable. Councilmember Gunn asked if the 1,800 square feet is total storage space. She stated that the existing garage is 868 square feet. Director Ericson stated with the current storage square footage, the applicant could build about 900 additional feet without a variance. Councilmember Gunn asked if the building size needs to be reduced to 950 square feet. Director Ericson replied that it does. Councilmember Thomas stated the only other option she sees is if the applicant can work with someone regarding safety, which may be the way Mr. Slabiak can present the hardship to the Council and Planning Commission. She stated there needs to be a more acute hardship in order for the variance to be approved. She asked if the applicant could come back with plans for the smallest safe structure. Councilmember Stigney stated he agrees with the Planning Commission and the City must follow code. He stated it is not an issue to change the code at this point and he believes the City must follow the code and deny the appeal. Councilmember Gunn asked if the applicant could build atwo-story building. Director Ericson responded that there is a height limitation of 15 feet which often restricts two-story buildings. He explained how height is measured and that it is theoretically possible that the applicant could build atwo-story building. Mayor Marty stated that the use of the building does not change the code ordinance. He explained that the Council has significantly increased the maximum allowed storage area and he believes the amount may be too generous. He stated in the future, it may be readdressed, but at present, the Council must follow code. Mayor Marty stated he is a stickler for precedence and this decision would set precedence and could result in an influx of large CUP requests. He stated the code could be discussed at a future work session but at the present time, the City must follow the code as written. Mayor Marty suggested a smaller variance request may be allowed closer scrutiny, but a proposal that exceeds the maximum by 37% is too large. He added that he sees no demonstrated hardship.