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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • October 20,A 998 Page 5 1 Ms. Silberschmidt pointed out the new construction extends less distance into the setback than 2 the steps and shed which were there previously. 3 4 Wagner asked whether Ms. Silberschmidt had obtained a building permit, which would have 5 specified the need for a variance. Ms. Silberschmidt confirmed she had applied for a building 6 permit in September, at which time she began the variance request process. 7 8 Makowske asked whether other exits from the home exist. Ms. Silberschmidt stated there are 4 9 exits:-from the west; into the garage; from the east; and from the south through the kitchen. 10 Makowske asked whether the property had any unusual grading or contours. Ms. Silberschmidt I 1 stated there is a hill in the backyard. 12 13 Bergstrom asked whether Ms. Silberschmidt had spoken with her neighbors with regard to the 14 proposed construction. Ms. Silberschmidt confirmed she had informed all of her neighbors of 15 her plans with the exception of the neighbor affected by the variance, who was unreachable 16 despite various attempts. Ms. Silberschmidt added she was able to stop this neighbor in her 17 driveway and requested her input, and the neighbor indicated her only concern was how the �8 setback variance would affect the opinion of prospective buyers upon the resale of her house. �j Ms. Silberschmidt stated the neighbor indicated no concern of her own. Ms. Silberschmidt 20 instructed her neighbor to contact the Planning Commission with any issues or concerns. 21 22 Wagner pointed out Ms. Silberschmidt's neighbor would have received a copy of the variance 23 request. 24 25 Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:36 P.M. 26 27 Bergstrom stated the request seems consistent with the revitalization of housing stock which the 28 Planning Commission wishes to encourage. Wagner stated while the variance has a good chance 29 of being granted based on the information available, it was very unfortunate that Ms. 30 Silberschmidt commenced construction without waiting for the variance request to be granted. 31 He added the possible weather effects on construction materials was a not an acceptable reason 32 for noncompliance with the City's ordinance. 33 34 Ms. Silberschmidt stated the main cause for concern was the digging of the footings in cold 35 weather, and she had never indicated otherwise. Wagner agreed the contractor would not have 36 wanted to extend construction into November. He added the request for variance seems to be a 37 valid one. 38 39 Makowske asked whether the sideyard variance is limited to a particular point. Ms. Moore- Sykes stated the variance applies to structure. 41