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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 16, 2010 Page 2 1 2 VIII.I. 3038 HARDING STREET—VARIANCE FOR FRONT YARD ENCROACHMENT 3 4 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes presented the staff report on the requested variance to the 5 front yard setback at 3038 Harding Street. The property owners are interested in adding a front 6 porch to their house as part of a larger renovation project they are planning. Jeremiah Battles of 7 Acacia Architects contacted staff and asked about the City's front yard setback regulations, and 8 asked if a front porch was possible. In discussing the proposed front porch, it was determined 9 that the residential structure's front foundation wall sits on the edge of the front yard setback. 10 The City's Zoning Ordinance allows for a five foot encroachment into the front yard. Mr. 11 Battles informed staff that their plans provide for a six foot wide porch. He asked about the 12 possibility of applying for a variance to allow for the front porch they are planning because the 13 property owners are looking for a little wider porch to be able to use it. 14 15 Mr. Chuck Bower, 3038 Harding Street, addressed the Planning Commission and stated he has 16 lived in St. Anthony for ten years in the same residence. They are looking at adding space to the 17 home, and one of the key features is the front porch which would have a six foot minimum 18 depth. 19 20 Mr. Jeremiah Battles, Acacia Architects, presented the site plan and aerial image of the variance 21 request. The project is a major remodel and addition to the home. It consists of a second story 22 addition, rebuilt back porch, main level remodel, and new front porch. Mr. Battles explained that 23 the variance request is to allow for a six foot deep open front porch onto the front of the house. 24 This new front porch would have to extend one foot past the five foot front yard encroachment. 25 The front porch will promote interaction between neighbors. Typically six to eight feet is an 26 ideal depth in order for the porch to be usable and to allow enough room for furniture. The front 27 porch and second story addition will also add to the aesthetics and value of the home. 28 29 Commissioner Heinis inquired about the location of the front stoop. Mr. Battles replied that the 30 stoop is at the six foot encroachment location which is the location requested for the variance. 31 He explained that the front porch will be open with a covered entry and railings on either side. 32 33 Commissioner Heinis asked if the project would change the slope of the grade to the front yard. 34 Mr. Battles replied that the existing grade will remain with the project. 35 36 Commissioner Cincoski asked how far beyond front of the porch the roof will extend. Mr. 37 Battles replied that the roof will match the current overhangs. 38 39 Chair Jensen recommended that the applicant verify with the Building Official the applicable 40 variances for encroachment in relation to the structural post footings as well as the roofline. He 41 inquired if all the column wraps included in the architectural sketch are necessary for 42 architectural purposes, noting that there could be a conflict with the furniture layout. Mr. Battles 43 replied that one of the columns is strictly aesthetic. 44 45 Chair Jensen asked if the applicant intends to submit a formal variance application to be included 46 on the April Planning Commission meeting agenda. Mr. Battles replied that the intent is to