HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-2016UV •
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
September 7, 2016 - 7:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Special Order of Business (none)
4. Citizens Requests and Comments Relating to Planning and Zoning Issues
Not Already on the Agenda. (Before speaking, please give your full name and
address for the record.)
5. Planning Cases
A. Consider Resolution 1055-16, a resolution approving a Variance for a 30' front
yard setback at 7790 Eastwood Rd; Planning Case VR2016-04
6. Other Planning Activity
A. (none)
7. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
B. Staff Updates
C. Council Updates
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
8. Approval of Minutes: July 20, 2016
9. Next Planning Commission Meetings:
A. Wednesday, September 21, 2016
B. Wednesday, October 5, 2016
10. Meeting Conclusion
Item No: 5A
Meeting Date: Sept 7, 2016
J
Mo
JS VEW Type of Business: Planning Case VR2016-04
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Mounds View Planning Commission
From: Jon Sevald, Planner
Item Title/Subject: Consider Resolution 1055-16, a resolution approving a
Variance for a 30' front yard setback at 7790 Eastwood Rd;
Planning Case VR2016-04
Introduction
The applicant (Value Homes, LLC) is requesting a Variance to reduce the front yard
setback from 54' to 30' to construct a single-family home at 7790 Eastwood Rd. The
minimum front yard setback in the R-1 district is 30' unless homes on the same side of
the street have a greater setback (54' in this case). The request is due to the hardship
of a private drainage easement reducing the buildable area of the lot.
Discussion
The property at 7800 Eastwood Rd was subdivided into two lots in March, 2016. The
north lot includes an existing home, and the south lot is the subject property (7790
Eastwood Rd). After the subdivision was approved, the developer conducted a Title
Search, which revealed two private easements: (1) a 10' wide sidewalk easement in the
SE corner of the lot; and (2) a 30' wide surface drainage & storm water easement along
the south property line.
The two easements are for the adjacent property, Silver Lake Commons apartments.
As part of Silver Lake Common's Development Review in 1997, the City required the
apartment owner to obtain a drainage easement from 7800 Eastwood Rd. At that time,
there was concern that expansion of the apartments would negatively affect the natural
drainage flow from properties north of the apartments (1940 aerial photo suggests a
drainage ditch flowed through these properties). An easement was obtained, but a
storm water retention pond was never constructed within the easement, nor was a
sidewalk.
Prior to the Title Search, neither the developer nor the current property owner (Value
Homes) knew about the easements. Due to the private drainage easement and the 54'
front yard building setback requirement, the buildable area of the lot is significantly
reduced.
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 2
Analysis
City Code, Title 1100, Chapter 1104, Section 1104.01, Subdivision 3(a): Yard
Requirements;
Where principal buildings in existence on lots within the same block
on the same side of the street have front yard setbacks different from
those required, the minimum front yard setback for any new principal
buildings shall be the minimum front yard setback in existence for
any one lot. In no case shall the front yard setback be less than thirty
feet (309. For purposes of this subsection a, a block shall be defined as
that group of lots lying along a street between the two closest intersecting
streets, except that where the length of the street frontage between the
two intersecting streets is greater than fourteen hundred feet (1, 400), the
block shall be the lots within six hundred and fifty feet (650) on either side
of the lot in question, or to an intersecting street whichever is less.
Homes on this side of the street are set back between about 54' and 60'. The adjacent
home (7800 Eastwood Rd) is set back 59'. If the Variance were approved, the
proposed home may look inconsistent because of the shallower front yard, but the 30'
front yard setback would be consistent with minimum requirements elsewhere in the R-1
District.
City Code, Title 1100, Chapter 1125, Section 1125.02, Subdivision 2 includes the seven
criteria for granting Variances. A Variance may be granted only in the event that all of
the following circumstances exist:
a. The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this Title.
b. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
c. The applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by this Title or the City Code.
d. Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to other
properties in the same zone or vicinity and result from lot size or shape,
topography or other circumstances over which the owner of the property since
the enactment of this Title has had no control. The unique circumstances do
not result from the actions of the applicant.
e. The variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 3
f. The variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the
practical difficulties. Economic conditions alone do not constitute practical
difficulties.
g. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals may impose such conditions upon the
premises benefited by a variance as may be necessary to comply with the
standards established by this Title or to reduce or minimize the effect of such
variance upon other properties in the neighborhood and to better carry out the
intent of the variance. The condition must be directly related to and must bear
a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance.
Staff's analysis of the seven criteria is listed in Resolution 1055-16. In summary, the
practical difficulty (criteria c & d) is that the private 30' wide drainage easement
significantly reduces the buildable area of the lot. The private easement was created by
an agreement between the adjacent Silver Lake Commons Apartments owner (MSP
Real Estate) and the previous owner of the subject property (Mary Larson) in 1997 in
response to the City's approval of a Site Plan Review for the expansion of the
apartments.
If the Variance is approved, the front yard setback would be reduced from 54' to 30'.
The proposed home would have a front yard depth about half that of other homes on
the same side of the street (criteria e), but would still comply with the minimum 30' front
yard setback found elsewhere in the R-1 District (criteria f).
Other options are for the owner to choose an alternative floor plan that would fit within
the lot's buildable area. The buildable area as -is measures approximately 64' wide X
58' deep, and is triangularly shaped.
After the developer (Kayak Properties) of the 2016 subdivision conducted the Title
Search revealing the easement, the developer contacted the owners of Silver Lake
Commons Apartments (Mounds View Family Housing), requesting that they vacate the
private easement, which they chose not to do.
Public Comments
A Public Hearing Notice was published in the New Brighton / Mounds View Sun Focus
on August 19, 2016, and mailed to property owners within 350' of the subject property.
Staff received an email from a resident opposed to the Variance because the proposed
home with a reduced setback would look out of place, and because the existing wooded
front yard blocks noise and lights from properties along Mounds View Blvd (Co Rd 10).
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 4
Summary
The applicant is requesting a Variance to reduce the front yard setback from 54'
to 30', to construct a new home. The property includes a 30'X 172' private
drainage easement along the south property line. The lot's buildable area is
limited due to the private drainage easement and larger front yard building
setback.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Variance contingent upon complying with the
conditions in Resolution 1055-16. It is Staff's opinion that the Variance request is
reasonable considering that the location of the private drainage easement greatly
reduces the buildable area of the lot.
The Planning Commission is requested to consider the following options:
1. Resolution 1055-16, approving the Variance is attached if the Commission chooses
this action.
2. The Planning Commission may choose to deny the Variance. If the Commission
chooses this option, Staff would need to be directed to draft a resolution of denial
with findings of fact appropriate to support the denial.
3. Table the request. If additional information is needed before a decision can be
rendered or if more discussion is needed, the Commission can simply move to table
the request until such information has been provided. Because of the 60 -day
requirements (Deadline: September 23, 2016) the Commission would need to act
upon the request as soon as reasonably possible to avoid an inadvertent approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Sevald, AICP
Planner
Attachments
1. Zoning Map
2. Aerial Photo of Neighborhood with front yard building setbacks (approximate to
roofline)
3. Site Photos
4. Email from Lon Stigney, 7841 Eastwood Rd
5. Resolution 1055-16
6. Applicant's Narrative (with Certificate of Survey)
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 5
Zoning Map
RVrw
co
8 7891N N , 17880
r6 Z 7885 7866
!0 :37877 - - 7854
7863
7842
78300
7851 O
782
�,gj 7F11
7800
R_4
soh
LEGEND
5
7890
7867
7870
7351
7860
B-3
7850
7841
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
B-4
7840
;• • 5
7790
7809
7770
7801
7764
7767
7760
7761
7750
7755
7730
7745
7710
CRP
CONSERVANCY, RECREATION & PRESERVATION
7715
* AREAS NOT LABELED ARE R-1
DISTRICTS
N N
A
• R-1
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
S-2
LIMITED BUSINESS
R-2
SINGLE & TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
B-3
HIGHWAY BUSINESS
R-3
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
B-4
REGIONAL BUSINESS
R-4
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
I-1
INDUSTRIAL
R-5
MOBILE HOME
PF
PUBLIC FACILITIES
R-0
RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE
PUD
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
B-1
NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
CRP
CONSERVANCY, RECREATION & PRESERVATION
* AREAS NOT LABELED ARE R-1
DISTRICTS
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 6
Aerial Photo of Neighborhood with front yard building setbacks (approximate to roofline)
, � IV
r
i 7801'
Planning Case VR2016-04
September 7, 2016
Page 7
Site Photos
Figure 1: Eastwood Rd, looking south from 7800 Eastwood Rd (fence at right). Red line is approximately in front of subject
property, 7790 Eastwood Rd (8-29-2016)
Figure 2: Eastwood Rd looking north. Red line is approximate front of subject property, 7790 Eastwood Rd. (8-29-2016)
Value
Home,--.
Property Management
v Renovation
.11806 Abercleer Si k7Y, -Suite 1.00, Blaine, F\/! l 55447
Lela: (612) 4-31-7841 Office: (763) 205-0056
July 22, 2016
Property: 7790 Eastwood Road, Mounds View, Mfg 55112
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL:
A Variance for the Minimum 30' Front setback in the R-1 District is required due to a
private easement in order to build a very modest Split Level Home with a 38' 8" wide and 23' 8"
long Foundation. As stated in the email attached; the seller of this lot has made every effort to get
the owner of the neighboring Apartment building to vacate the unused private easement however
they will not cooperate. As stated by Jon Sevald in the email attached; if a variance were
approved to allow a 30' setback, the house would fit without encroaching into the easement.
This variance meets the criteria of the attached ordinance 1125.02 Subd. 2. a - g.
The following supporting documentation is attached:
1) Copy of the Certificate of Survey Highlighting the part of the home which encroaches
into the private easement due to the 55' front setback.
2) Copy of the Blueprints
3) Email Chain with the seller's (Terry Buchanan — Kayak Properties) full explanation
describing his efforts to vacate the private easement
& Jon Sevald's (AICP, Planner, City of Mounds View) explanation of the Variance
Application process.
4) Copy of the City of Mounds View Ordinance Highlighting 1125.02 Subd. 2. a. — g.
Sincerely,
Eric 011estad
Value Homes LLC
Chief Executive Manager
�� LI �IJ ��J 1( LI L'� O I� CJ CJLiLJE IJ PROPERTY ADDRESS: #haoc EASTWOOD ROAD, MOUNDS V�EW, MN
FOR: EI'ic ®Ilesfoid
P.I.D.-#06-30-23-44-????
• X;
11 e \b s
% I I
w q1U?
N
\�oGF q11 U\ : T a 1 0 910 6 n 11� i
+ W 911.0 % X0] J1 d,� 0 0 �E
\ c� a x GF Eoc n'
yA
oP /\N8$.151 LgjiO : 0110 ..• Z / O. �E00 I
0 11-1r� — — 910'9_X — 1f) 910• '�
�. �. -, ..- 9j0 q — — — X—I 5 • •9�p 0 % 1GG�T O I
48.00
. mak' • I 9� } ;.'.,o Driveway TO' O I
)SID. m 911'.-I .` o I- Proposed w
. I 2 -73'
9i0.4I d g10?.o 911.6 91,0 .91p5 TG
% 4----r----------
9ogX `�-_ � I ,� r-- w W I
912 .., _ 124 00
+'%•� FEin
812RCP-5\V
1------- 55 ----- --
1-L�-1 911? .....�.....,;y: 'PS(�•P \ I 910
0""',
%911.6 \ i 9
1AHj0'q)1A I
� L 2 F � RIA1=91 D.0
00 ��� \YfA� O \ : I INV.=899.1 I
oo3s \F�oo� :\ I
�. \ � � \ I
r o9rF� \,SIDS I O is °
--------------------- L-_ T x911 Z>>26
I NEED TO STAKE HOUSE I �°
2; VERIFY DRIVEIVAY ON Npl'1SE TO
1 NORTH I I \ ^� 5-- ---- 66 ----------
3)
--- ----3) NEED To VERIFY 30' EASWENT ; f \• I o I
TO SOUTH HAS SEEN VACATED) I 1 0
SIDEWALK EAS
0 30 DOCr N0. 11726g6PER-_ AO `��\ 910.`-+ 06 9pEN06`v0
( IN FEET)` / on NUT FIRE
V IRON 4AR yr
1 inch = 30ft. ��, (0.7' EAST) 4 I 1p6 �• a 91281
I
.9 .6
NORTH , / I I �
NOTES j I
— Field survey conducted on xxxxx
- BEARING'S SHOWN ARE ON ASSUMED DATUM.
- CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY HOUSE DIMENSIONS, AND SEWER
AND BASEMENT DEPTHS. �����
- FINISHED GRADE 10 FEET FROM PROPOSED BUILDING SHALL
BE 0.5 FEET LOWER THAN THE FINISHED GRADE AT THE C892. DENOTES PROPOSED ELEVATION.
BUILDING. X1011,2 DENOTES EXISTING ELEVATION.
- FINISHED GRADE ELEVATIONS ARE TO FINISHED SURFACE DENOTES DIRECTION OF DRAINAGE.
WITH TURF ESTABLISHMENT. N DENOTES METAL SPIKE
- DRIVEWAYS ARE SHOWN FOR GRAPHIC PURPOSES ONLY. 0 DENOTES IRON MONUMENT FOUND
FINAL DRIVEWAY DESIGN AND LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY
CONTRACTOR
- CITY TO VERIFY ALL BUILDINGS ELEVATIONS AND SETBACKS.
- This survey was prepared without the benefit of titlework. *5 course lookout*
Easement, appurtenances and encumbrances may exist in PROPOSED ELEVATIONS
addition to those shown hereon. This survey is subject to GARAGE FLOOR = 912.1
revision upon receipt of a title insurance commitment or TOP OF BLOCK = 912.5
attorneys title opinion. LOWEST FLOOR = 909.3
EXISTING PROPERTY DESCRIMON
That part of Lot 77, SPRING LAKE PARK HILL VIEW, Ramsey County, Minnesota, which lies southerly of the following described
line:
Commencing at the northeast corner of said Lot 77; thence South 00 degrees 40 minutes 10 seconds East (assumed
bearing) along the east line of said Lot 77 a distance of 113.58 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be described,
said point to be hereinafter referred to as "Point A"; thence South 88 degrees 21 minutes 51 seconds West a distance of
178.65 feet to the southwesterly line of said Lot 77 and said line there terminating.
Subject to an easement for public drainage and utility purposes over, under and across the north 5.00 feet, the east 10.00
feet, and the southwesterly 10.00 feet of the above described property. And subject to an easement for drainage and utility
purposes over, under and across that part of the above described property which lies westerly of east 114.04 feet thereof.
hereby certify that this survey, plan
or report was prepared by me or
under my direct supervision and that I
Ulfl U duly Registefed Land - -v"or
under the laws of the State of f763
CRE LAND SURVEYING
Minnesota.
�� 8 @ri 811Ci � Citi tf � _ • , oo. I I I
y
45s 2�7 acrelandsurve�a' gmall.com
Date:Mav xx, 2016 Reg. No. 44125 JOB #16294HS 1t) 1' j2 13 14 15 I6 17 18 w ,10 111 112 11] ,14 115 ,Ifi 117 11a `I° 120
C1\Users\Eric\DneDrlve\CAD-1D\16294hs-MndsVty-Erlc\dwg\16294hs-MndsVw-Erlc.dlrg 5/14/2016 9+29+51 AM CDT
I
'`►�/�
a ..ice �a a
`,
r° `r
►
_tea
i .L a��� /��_ �_ �—ice
a�=r
• j�... J -
- e
�4 ,�: �`
.
i►a--��I;�• :�.'� rte;
�� 1� �1 �I ill �I� I' VIII •`
t
Gia .�� st .- %•■■.� 1< -.
I�l� —_ -_.-dam-
■\e •
w.
■�,
�
11111111
—
I_slle_IIs_Ilel
�� �\\,� F�b''y
�, NM
Eli
\
ISI ISI I�II�I
— — — —
■�■� / �I.1
■:i: ���� VIII I I..
.A"
iii
---
I�I ISI ISI ISI
,'1
:•■:��� ; �i!
�
I�I ISI ISI ISI
It III
%�� ✓ ' � 'li�� �i�l �" •
__--
i�I
-11111
�' I I �, ��-�'
'►
��
���
.
HOME PLANNING ,-•`
VALUE HOMES
PLAW O.
_ CENTRAL AVENUE NE
MINNESOTA,
a
') •. 'r Mounds View,
MN 55112
PATE:
005/10/216
I
U
a.
7Z
I
SPRING LAKE PARK LUMBER BILDING
612-481-7841 eric@valuehomesmn.com
Value
HomesPr•o•
& Renovation
1.1806 Aheideen Sl NE, Suite :LOC), Blaine, N01 55449
Cell: (612) 481-7841 Office: (763) 205-0056
July 28, 2016
Property: 7790 Eastwood Road, Mounds View, MN 55112
To Whom it may concern.
My name is Eric 011estad. I am the owner of Value Homes LLC. Value Homes specializes in
acquiring lots and building single family homes on those lots to be sold as finished new
construction homes in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Here are some of the projects we have
completed in the last few years:
3973 Hayes St NE, Columbia Heights
4320 Madison St NE, Columbia Heights
45225 th St NE, Columbia Heights
3830 Noble Ave N. Robbinsdale
13573212 th Ave NW, Elk River
1731 169th Ave NE, Ham Lake
6812 Aldrich Ave N, Brooklyn Center
10712 Kyle Ave N, Brooklyn Park
10718 Kyle Ave N, Brooklyn Park
3701 Buchanan St NE, Columbia Heights
3705 Buchanan St NE, Columbia Heights
16386 Inca St NW, Andover
1016 42'/ Ave NE, Columbia Heights
8857 Baltimore St NE, Blaine
2081 Palm St, Lino Lakes
1100 Vera St N, Champlin
purchased the lot at 7790 Eastwood Rd, Mounds View with the intention of building a
modest Bi -Level Split home and selling it as a completed new construction Single Family
Residence. I have repeated this particular home plan many times with great results. It offers
home buyers the ability to purchase a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, attached 2 car garage High Efficiency
home with Premium Building Materials and finishes at an affordable price. Some of the features
of the home are Triple Pane Windows, Poured Concrete Foundation, High Efficiency Furnace,
DuraStrand Subfloors, Radon Mitigation System & Sump Pump Included, Gas Stove, Gas Water
r1ear.er, Gay Dryer nuurcup, Hrr w /A Ir cxcnarrger, De-riurnrdlner and a vented I'Aicrowave.
Before I purchased the lot I was told by the seller that there was an unused 30' easement
that would not affect the building of the home as the easement would be vacated. The seller of
this lot has made every effort to get the owner of the neighboring Apartment building to vacate
the unused private easement however they will not cooperate. As stated by Jon Sevald in the
email attached; if a variance were approved to allow a 30' setback, the house would fit without
encroaching into the easement.
The following is an explanation on why this variance meets the criteria of the attached
ordinance 1125.02 Subd. 2. a — g:
a. The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this Title.
(Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response - This variance is definitely in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this Title
as this will be a Residential Single Family Home.
b. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. (Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response - This variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan as this new home will give new
people or a new family the opportunity to become new citizens of Mounds View and offer them
the ability to get involved in the community helping Mounds View reach many of its goals. This
home will drastically improve the appearance of the community by turning a vacant lot into a
beautiful new residence with a brand new Single Family Home.
c. The applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by
this Title or the City Code. (Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response — Due to the unused private easement a modest single family home will not fit on the lot
unless a variance for the minimum 30' front setback is granted.
d. Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to other properties in
the same zone or vicinity and result from lot size or shape, topography or other
circumstances over which the owner of the property since the enactment of this Title
has had no control. The unique circumstances do not result from the actions of the
applicant. (Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response —This property is a unique Triangle Shape. The circumstance is one of a kind in Mounds
View as there is an unused private 30' Easement along the south lot line. Approving this variance
will not only make it possible for a modest single family home to be built on this lot; it will also
drastically improve the backyard giving the new home owner a much safer area for outdoor
activities versus the front yard along Eastwood Road.
e. The variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. (Amended,
Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response —The variance is not altering the essential character of the neighborhood as it is only
improving the character of the neighborhood by allowing a nice new home to be built on the lot.
f. The variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the practical
difficulties. Economic conditions alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
(Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response — As noted in the attached Certificate of Survey; allowing the 30' front setback would
allow the home to be moved 25' closer to the front lot line towards Eastwood Road which would
be the minimum amount of room needed so that the new home does not encroach into the
unused private easement.
g. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals may impose such conditions upon the premises
benefited by a variance as may be necessary to comply with the standards established
by this Title or to reduce or minimize the effect of such variance upon other properties
in the neighborhood and to better carry out the intent of the variance. The condition
must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created
by the variance. (Amended, Ord. 861, 9-22-11)
Response — I believe that the impact created by the variance is a positive impact and a benefit to
the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Eric 011estad
Value Homes LLC
Chief Executive Manager
From:
Stigney, Lon
To:
Jon Sevald
Subject:
VR2016-004
Date:
Tuesday, August 23, 2016 3:41:57 PM
Dear Jon,
My home address is 7841 Eastwood Road which falls within the 350 feet of this proposed variance.
Me and my wife are against this proposal for a variety of reasons. First we would hate to see the
buffer of trees that are there presently be removed for they deaden the noise from highway 10 and
also block the lights from the nearby housing project. But the main reason is that we believe that
this variance for this project would be way to cramped between the two existing properties and way
out of place of the present street view that now exists. The code that is in place is there for this very
reason. It should not be tweaked to help a particular party who subdivided a parcel of property in
the hopes that the city would change the code for their own financial gain down the road. We
ourselves own a double property lot like others here in Mounds View. Because of this the city has a
nice wooded feel too it that makes Mounds View an very enjoyable place to live. We believe this
variance would open the door for others to do the same. Especially outside builders or a new
property owner who would just want to make a quick buck by selling of odd acreages and
attempting to squeeze other houses in other deemed inappropriate areas.
Sincerely,
Lon Stigney
TR Director
Cornerstone Assisted Living & Memory Care
3750 Lawndale Lane N I Plymouth, MN 55446
763.550.0333 fax: 763.390.1888
eIim car
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential client information. The
information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you're
not the addressee or the employee or agent responsible to deliver this e-mail to its intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, use, dissemination, distribution, disclosure,
copying or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
Elite Care, Inc.
Providing Senior Housing and Healthcare in the Spirit of Christ's Love
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 1055-16
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW A 30 -FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR A NEW HOME AT 7790 EASTWOOD RD;
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING CASE VR2016-04
WHEREAS, property owner, Value Homes, LLC, has applied for a variance to
allow a house to encroach approximately 24' into the required 54' front yard setback at
7790 Eastwood Rd; and,
WHEREAS, 7790 Eastwood Rd is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential, and is
legally described as follows:
That part of Lot 77, SPRING LAKE PARK HILL VIEW, Ramsey County,
Minnesota, which lies southerly of the following described line:
Commencing at the northeast corner of said Lot 77; thence South
00 degrees 40 minutes 10 seconds East (assumed bearing) along
the east line of said Lot 77 a distance of 113.58 feet to the point of
beginning of the line to be described, said point to be hereafter
referred to as "Point A", thence South 88 degrees 21 minutes 51
seconds West a distance of 178.65 feet to the southwesterly line of
said Lot 77 and said line there terminating.
Subject to an easement for public drainage and utility purposes over,
under and across the north 5.00 feet, the east 10.00 feet, and the
southwesterly 10.00 feet of the above described property. And subject to
an easement for drainage and utility purposes over, under and across that
part of the above described property which lies westerly of east 114.04
feet thereof.
PIN: 06-30-23-44-0077
WHEREAS, City Code Title 1100, Chapter 1104, Section 1104.01, Subdivision
3(a) states;
Where principal buildings in existence on lots within the same block on the same
side of the street have front yard setbacks different from those required, the
minimum front yard setback for any new principal buildings shall be the minimum
front yard setback in existence for any one lot. In no case shall the front yard
setback be less than thirty feet (30). For purposes of this subsection a, a block
Resolution 1055-16
September 7, 2016
Page 2
shall be defined as that group of lots lying along a street between the two closest
intersecting streets, except that where the length of the street frontage between
the two intersecting streets is greater than fourteen hundred feet (1,400), the
block shall be the lots within six hundred and fifty feet (650) on either side of the
lot in question, or to an intersecting street whichever is less.
WHEREAS, the 7700 block of Eastwood Rd is approximately 1,400' in length,
and the principle building on the same block and same side of the street with the
smallest front yard setback measures approximately 54' (7880 Eastwood Rd, based on
1991 building plan, Permit #91-218), and thus the minimum front yard setback for all
lots on the west side of this block, including the subject property, is 54'; and
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Planning Commission has reviewed the following
documents regarding this proposal:
1. Zoning Map
2. Aerial Views
3. Site Photos
4. Staff Report
5. Applicant's Narrative and Certificate of Survey
6. Resident Comments
WHEREAS, the purpose of the variance provision in the Zoning Code is to give
relief to property owners when the strict enforcement of the zoning code requirements
imposes a hardship thereby restricting the improvement of property due to practical
difficulties brought about by unique or extraordinary features of the physical property
that are beyond the property owner's control; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing
regarding this request on September 7, 2016; and,
WHEREAS, according to Section 1125.02, Subdivision 2 of the Mounds View
Municipal Code, the Planning Commission is to review a standard set of criteria that
must be satisfied in order to grant a variance to the Zoning Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning
Commission finds that the criteria as identified in Section 1125.02, Subdivision 2 of the
Mounds View Municipal Code are satisfied and finds there to be sufficient practical
difficulty with regard to the property located at 7790 Eastwood Rd, and makes the
following findings of fact related to its decision:
Resolution 1055-16
September 7, 2016
Page 3
1. The general purpose and intent of the Zoning Code regarding front yard building
setbacks is to provide a sense of privacy and separation between the building
and the public right-of-way. The proposed home to be located on the subject
property will maintain a 30' front yard setback, consistent with minimum
standards elsewhere in the R-1 district.
2. The Variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (2010); Goal 4..
"Encourage residential infill and redevelopment that supports the City's housing
goals and maintains residential character." The parent property (7800 Eastwood
Rd) was subdivided into two lots in March 2016, creating the subject property
(7790 Eastwood Rd), with the intent of constructing a new home.
3. The applicant (Value Homes, LLC) proposes to use the property in a reasonable
manner for a single-family residence.
4. Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to other
properties in the same zone or vicinity and result from circumstances over which
the property owner had no control. The current property owner (Value Homes)
and immediate past owner/developer (Kayak Properties) were not aware of the
private 30' wide drainage easement at the time the property was subdivided in
2016. The private drainage easement is unique to this property.
5. The Variance to reduce the minimum front yard setback from 54' to 30' will result
in a front yard half the depth as others on the west side of Eastwood Rd.
However, a reduced setback will allow construction of a vacant lot for a new
single-family home, maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood.
6. The Variance request is the minimum variance which would alleviate the practical
difficulties created by the private 30' wide drainage easement. The Applicant's
Narrative includes a Certificate of Survey, dated "May XX, 2016", which shows a
proposed home encroaching 26' feet into the private easement (24' foundation +
2' overhang). A Variance reducing the front yard setback from 54' to 30' will still
leave a 2' encroachment into the private easement, thus, the home plan will need
to be adjusted to avoid any encroachment into this easement.
7. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals may impose such conditions upon the
premises benefited by a variance as may be necessary. Such conditions are
included below:
The applicant (Value Homes, LLC) shall clearly disclose to the purchaser
of the to -be constructed home that there exists two private easements
alnnn the eni ith ciriP varri nrnnPrty IMP fnr• (1) a 1(1' WirlP _qirlP\nialk (nnr
No. 1172686); and (2) a 30' wide drainage area (Doc. No. 1172687).
Resolution 1036-15
September 7, 2016
Page 4
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning
Commission, based upon the above findings, approves the Variance request of Value
Homes, LLC, for a reduced front yard setback from 54' to 30' at the property located at
7790 Eastwood Rd, subject to the following:
The applicant (Value Homes, LLC) shall clearly disclose to the purchaser of
the to -be constructed home that there exists two private easements along the
south side yard property line for; (1) a 10' wide sidewalk (Doc. No. 1172686);
and (2) a 30' wide drainage area (Doc. No. 1172687).
2. If within one year after granting the variance, the work as permitted by the
variance has not begun, then such
unless an extension of time has been
by the Planning Commission. Such
applicant in writing, and submitted tc
expiration of the original variance.
Adopted this 7t" day of September, 2016.
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
variance shall become null and void
requested by the applicant and granted
extension shall be requested by the
the City at least 30 days before the
Gary Stevenson, Chairperson
James Ericson, City Administrator
L"ROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
July 20, 2016
Mounds View City Hall
2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. for July 20, 2016.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners French, Klander, Love, Rundle, Schiltgen and Stevenson
Absent and Excused: Commissioner Klebsch
Also Present- Planner Jon Sevald and Council Member Gary Meehlhause
Index to Minutes Page
Resolution 1054-16, a Resolution recommending approval of a Text 2
Amendment to the Mounds View Municipal Code Chapters 1102, 1103
And 1106 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units
Approval of Minutes 4
3. Special Order of Business
None.
4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
None.
Mounds View Planning Commission
Regular MeetingPage 2
July 20, 2016
5. Planning Cases
A. Consider Resolution 1055-16, a Resolution recommending approval of a Text
Amendment to the Mounds View Municipal Code, Chapters 1102, 1103, and 1106
relating to Accessory Dwelling Units.
Planner Sevald requested the Council consider a text amendment to the City's Municipal Code
regarding accessory dwelling units. He provided comment on the discussion held at the Planning
Commission meeting on July 6th regarding this topic and noted staff had revised the code per
their discussion. It was noted an accessory use would be permitted if located within a single-
family residential home and would be a conditional use if made an addition to an existing home
or would be placed within/above a garage or accessory structure. The proposed licensing
procedure that would be followed by the City was discussed. Staff reviewed the text amendment
in further detail with the Commission and recommended approval.
Chair Stevenson questioned how staff would define "most of the year". Planner Sevald reported
that a home was considered homesteaded if the homeowners lived on the property for six months
and one day.
Commissioner Schiltgen discussed the dwelling license fees. Planner Sevald reviewed the
proposed fees and reductions that would be offered to trained property owners.
Commissioner Klander requested comment from staff on how the accessory unit could not be
viewed as a separate dwelling. Planner Sevald discussed this language further and noted
accessory units were to match the primary home architecturally. He provided further comment
on how external accessory units would be reviewed by staff.
Commissioner Klander recommended this language be removed from the text amendment in
order to remove any confusion. Planner Sevald requested the language remain as is as this
would require all future accessory units to match the primary home.
Chair Stevenson supported the language as recommended by staff.
Commissioner Rundle commented on the number of garages the Commission has approved that
could support an apartment on the second level.
Commissioner Klander suggested the language be altered to read the dwelling unit shall have the
appearance of one property.
Commissioner French understood Commissioner Klander's concerns.
Further discussion ensued regarding an ADU's dependence on the primary structure.
Chair Stevenson suggested the language be amended to read the site shall be one unified
property.
Mounds View Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
July 20, 2016
Page 3
Commissioner Klander supported this recommendation. He wanted to see the exterior design
and the hardscape of an ADU match the primary structure.
City Administrator Ericson commented on the intent of the language. He suggested the language
under Item D be amended to read accessory dwelling units shall be consistent with the primary
structure yet shall be subordinate to the principle structure. The Commission supported this
recommendation.
Commissioner Love asked if an 18 -foot garage height was too limiting. She did not want to see
garages with flat roofs and suggested the maximum roof height be increased in order to allow
ADU's within the second story of a garage.
Chair Stevenson reviewed the City's current height restrictions for garages. He believed that
garages in excess of 20 feet were not consistent with Mounds View neighborhoods.
Commissioner Schiltgen did not anticipate that ADU's would be a very large issue in the City of
Mounds View. He stated he did not have a detached garage, but if he could, he would want it to
be taller than 18 feet. He asked if the City could consider a variance to the 18 -foot height limit.
Chair Stevenson questioned how the City could make exceptions, considering the fact that a
number of garages have been approved at the 18 -foot height limit. He recommended that the
rules remain the same and that residents make requests above and beyond 18 -feet through the
variance procedure. Planner Sevald reviewed the variance approval process noting a resident
would have to show a practical difficulty.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner French. To approve Resolution
1054-16, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Text Amendment to the Mounds View
Municipal Code, Chapters 1102, 1103, and 1106 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units, as
amended above.
Ayes — 6 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
6. Other Planning Activity
None.
7. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
Planner Sevald Mated he had no pending planning Vases.
Mounds View Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
B. Staff Updates
July 20, 2016
Page 4
Planner Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff. He explained a number of
residents have been asking for further information on County Road I. It was noted this project
would be completed in August. He reviewed the estimated water usage of a number of area
microbreweries in response to a question asked by the Commission during the July 6th Planning
Commission meeting.
C. Council Updates
Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City
Council. He reported the City Council opted out of the State legislation regarding family health
care dwellings due to code enforcement concerns. He appreciated the work the Commission was
doing on the accessory dwelling unit Ordinance text amendment. He indicated the Council
approved an environmental assessment of the Public Works Facility and additional funding for
the 2016 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. Lastly, he noted the Council approved the
installation of cable for security cameras at City Hall.
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Love commented on the City's Comprehensive Plan update. She stated she was
interested in learning how Mounds View was becoming more diverse. She reviewed information
from the school district on the numerous languages being spoken in the community's homes.
She believed there was a serious concern with the mental health issues that the public schools
were having to deal with.
8. Approval of Minutes
July 6, 2016.
Commissioner Love requested a change on Page 4 asking that the word detached be removed
from her comment.
Chair Stevenson requested a change on Page 6 noting he offered congratulations to
Commissioner Klebsch on behalf of the Commission.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Schiltgen/Commissioner Love. To approve the Minutes of
the July 6, 2016 regular Planning Commission meetings as slightly amended.
Ayes — 6 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
Y. Next r1aIlI1I LUiIlII111s1oi1 V1CCtlIlg.
Mounds View Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
A. Wednesday, August 3, 2016
B. August 17, 2016
10. Adjournment
July 20, 2016
Page 5
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the
meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Sevald
Planner
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.