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September 12, 2011 Ms. Kim Moore Sykes, Assistant City Manager Planning Commission Members City of St. Anthony 3301 Silver Lake Road St. Anthony, MN 55418 RE: Variance Request -- 2610 — 3011i Avenue NF. Dear Ms. Sykes and Planning Commissioners: We are unable to attend the September 20, 2011, Planning Commission, and request our comments be submitted for review regarding the Garage Setback permit and Variance request for the Oversized Garage project at 2610 — 3011i Avenue NE. We are located directly behind the property at 2610 -- 30111 Avenue, and the proposed oversized garage structure will impact our property, and ask the Planning Commission to consider our comments when considering the variance. It appears unusual a variance request would be considered in the absence of a detailed building plan, and does not allow resident opportunity to review plan and design specifics to determine potential impacts to neighboring properties. In addition, a site plan survey performed by a professional surveyor licensed by the State of Minnesota should be required before issuance of a building permit to determine correct lot lines. The existing garage is now located 2.5 feet from our fence lure and resides inside the five foot rear yard setback area (see attached photos). We request further clarification of City Code Section 152.176 (P) Garage Setback Permit in regards to the maximum allowable size of the garage and what is the rear yard setback requirement. City Code Section 152.039 (1-1) requires a maximum allowed lot coverage of 35%. This variance request changes the lot coverage and raises the issue of how will the additional impervious surface coverage exacerbate recent and historical drainage issues to adjacent properties. In addition, the plan submitted noted the use of pervious surface pavers. Does the use of pervious surface pavers apply to the calculation of the total lot coverage? If not, has it been proven that pervious surface pavers do not contribute to additional drainage? An oversized garage structure's design and materials play a role. City Code Section 152.176 (E) requires structures "must be designed and constructed in a manner consistent with the design and general appearance of the principle structure". Without a design plan it is questionable whether the plan achieves this requirement. With such a large structure, it seem appropriate to require the mass of the building be broken -up with enhanced siding and windows on all sides, and require landscaping and maintaining of landscaping behind the structure facing our property. This proposed oversized structure is uncharacteristic and oversized in comparison to neighboring structures where adjacent residential lots measure only 59-60 feet wide. Allowing oversized/large structures on smaller lots change the characteristics and charm of St. Anthony neighborhoods. We appreciate your consideration of our comments, and ask the Commission to respect and maintain the rear yard setback, maintain 35% maximum lot coverage, address the drainage concerns, require a detailed building plan and professional survey performed by a surveyor licensed by the State of Minnesota to determine accurate lots lines before building permit issuance, and require enhanced garage design and landscape features to lessen the impact of the oversized structure as it relates to our property. Thank you for your consideration, Jeff and Jan Rosemeyer 2609 West Armour Terrace St. Anthony, MN 55418 612-789-3278 77