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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 17, 2022 Page 3 1 that on a case-by-case basis they could review different ways to treat water. He confirmed 2 that a variance could be used, but if that became a common request, he would suggest adding 3 a process into Code. 4 5 Chair Socha commented that if the impervious surface is not changing, she would question 6 whether there would be room for expansion on the lots. Mr. Grittman commented that it 7 would vary. He recognized that there are properties against that limit now and others close to 8 the threshold. He agreed that building up would be an option and noted that there are some 9 properties that do not have that issue and would have room to expand within the threshold. 10 11 Mr. Grittman recognized the suburban trend for private properties to have their own 12 greenspace and away from pocket park spaces. He stated that if they consume more of the 13 greenspace on private properties, they would need to be mindful of the overall greenspace 14 system in the community. 15 16 Mr. Grittman commented that he provided three scenarios in the case that reflect a general 17 summary of single-family lot conditions. He welcomed input from the Commission. 18 19 Chair Socha commented that it was well laid out and she did not have any questions on the 20 scenarios. 21 22 Commissioner Rude stated that he would like to discuss the overall philosophy before they go 23 too far. He noted that the biggest pressure from the Metropolitan Council is related to density 24 and was unsure that this would equate to higher density. He stated that this only seems to lend 25 itself to bigger homes and was unsure that was the direction they wanted to go. Mr. Grittman 26 stated that many families are already occupying their bedrooms and therefore are using their 27 kitchen table to home office and have expressed that they need additional space to function 28 long-term. He noted that if they cannot add onto their home, the option would be to move to a 29 larger home and therefore this would attempt to provide the opportunity for families to add on 30 to their home and remain in their neighborhood. He recognized that it could change the 31 character of the neighborhood. 32 33 Commissioner Erickson stated that allowing as many changes to a property as feasible would 34 lend itself to a property being more marketable and desirable. He asked the degree of this 35 being an issue in Saint Anthony and whether there are a lot of people that want to expand but 36 cannot because of the setback requirements. Mr. Grittman replied that he has handled a 37 handful of calls with homeowners expressing that interest, as well as from architects working 38 with residents. He noted that home officing is one reason for the request, but aging residents 39 also want to expand without building up as stairs are an issue for those residents. 40 41 Commissioner Rude referenced the apartments that have setbacks near the streets and believes 42 that takes away from the luxury of the community. He stated that he would not anticipate the 43 single-family home stock changing. He stated that this would allow larger homes at the 44 impact of the neighbors. He stated that the reduced setbacks would impact greenspace and 45 trees and therefore he views this as a difficult trade off. He stated that he does want to 46 encourage building and improving but believes the setback provide the luxury feel of living in