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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 16, 2005 Page 7 1 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that Ms. Steadman came before the Planning Commission on July 19, 2 2005 to discuss the plan for the installation and the Planning Commission informed Ms. 3 Steadman that the current Zoning Ordinance does not allow egr4ess windows in the side yard 4 setback. She stated that the Chair had indicated that the Commission was reviewing various 5 ordinances for possible revision and that they could look at amending the text to allow for an 6 egress window in the setback. She stated that Ms. Steadman was informed about the variance 7 process and the requirements if she wanted pursue the installation noting that Ms. Steadman 8 indicated that she is concerned with safety issues for the family if they want to use the lower 9 level of the house. 10 11 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that based on information provided by the Building Inspector a 3-foot 12 variance is required because the minimum dimensions required of an egress window well that 13 would provide access to the outside in the case of emergency is 9 square feet. 14 15 Marc Steadman, 2909-30`"Avenue NE, stated that they are asking that the City consider granting 16 them a variance to install an egress window in the lower level of their home. He provided the 17 Commission with an overview of the dimensions and provided them with examples of the house 18 showing where the window would be installed. He explained that one of their concerns is that 19 when they take a short walk around the neighborhood they found that there are situations where 20 window wells and egress windows have been placed into the five-foot setback area. He provided 21 the Commission with several examples of homes in the area noting that there has been precedent 22 set here. He reviewed the potential safety hazards and provided the Commission with an 23 overview of the proposed location of the egress window. He stated that they did consider 24 installing the egress window in the front of the house and found that gas main would have to be 25 relocated. He stated that they would also have to cut into the original rock base on the front 26 adding that they would prefer to install the egress window on the side of the house. He 27 acknowledged that their neighbor has expressed concerns and is not in favor of the variance. He 28 indicated that he has discussed this with his neighbor and found that his concerns are with 29 stormwater runoff, safety and aesthetic issues. He stated that he consulted with a contractor and 30 was told that the egress window would not affect the stormwater runoff. He stated that from a 31 safety perspective, he would be willing to extend it out along the property line and return it back 32 in to the house and that he would create a four-foot path for access, which would prevent any 33 potential of someone falling into the window well. He indicated that he would be willing to 34 install a screen or a six-foot privacy fence to address the aesthetic issues. 35 36 Vice Chair Hanson asked if they were doing any improvements in basement. Mr. Steadman 37 stated that the basement is finished noting that they would like to convert the den/study to a legal 38 bedroom noting the egress window would be in the correct area to allow them to have a bedroom 39 in the basement. 40 41 Vice Chair Hanson asked if the backyard area would be a possibility. Mr. Steadman explained 42 that currently there is a deck in back and placing an egress window in this area would require 43 modification to the deck. He noted that the other window in the back is on the side of the 44 driveway and is a flat window. 45