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Our Mission is to be a progressive and livable community, a walkable village, which is sustainable, safe and secure.
Call to Order.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Consideration, discussion, and possible action on all of the following items:
I. Approval of the November 26, 2018 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda. (action requested)
II. Approval of the October 22, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
(action requested)
III. Public Hearing.
A. Consider a request for a 65 foot rear yard variance to allow for the construction of an accessory
structure, and consider a request for a 39 foot rear yard variance to allow for the construction of a pool
and a 24 foot rear yard variance for location of pool mechanical equipment at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace.
IV. Staff Reports.
A. Planning Commission Worksession December 17, 2018 at 5:30 PM-Deck Ordinance Discussion.
V. Other Business.
A. Review recommendations related to the city’s current solar ordinance by Solsmart.
B. 2019 Planning Commission WorkPlan.
VI. Community Forum.
Individuals may address the Planning Commission about any item not included on the regular
agenda. Speakers are requested to come to the podium, sign their name and address on the form at
the podium, state their name and address for the Clerk’s record, and limit their remarks to five
minutes. Generally, the Planning Commission will not take official action on items discussed at this
time, but may typically refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct the matter to be
scheduled on an upcoming agenda.
VII. Information and Announcements.
VIII. Adjournment.
CITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 26, 2018
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 PM
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 2
October 22, 2018 3
7:00 p.m. 4
5
CALL TO ORDER. 6
7
Vice Chair Socha called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 8
9
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 10
11
Vice Chair Socha invited the Commission and the audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance. 12
13
ROLL CALL. 14
15
Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Socha, Commissioners Larson, Neumann, and Westrick. 16
17
Absent: Chairperson Papatola, Commissioners Bartel and Kalar. 18
19
Also Present: Nimo Hashi, Student Liasion, City Planner Breanne Rothstein. 20
21
22
I. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 22, 2018 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 23
AGENDA. 24
25
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Neumann, to approve the October 26
22, 2018 Planning Commission agenda. 27
28
Motion carried 4-0. 29
30
II. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 27, 2018 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION 31
MEETING MINUTES. 32
33
Commissioner Neumann objected to the motion because she did not feel the minutes were 34
detailed enough given her questions were noted but the detailed answers were not provided. City 35
Planner Rothstein stated a third-party minute taker is utilized and staff can request the minutes be 36
verbatim if desired. Ms. Rothstein stated sometimes items are missed and she recommended that 37
anything remembered by the Commission be mentioned and can be added to the minutes. If 38
verbatim minutes are requested, she could make the request to the City Manager. 39
40
Commissioner Neumann stated she is concerned that the minute taker may not be subjectively 41
summarizing what is being said. Ms. Rothstein stated some cities do verbatim minutes including 42
every word said. The meeting is also recorded and if significant items are missing, the City Clerk 43
can review the recording and provide more detail. 44
45
Motion by Commissioner Neumann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the August 46
27, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes as presented. 47
48
Motion carried 4-0. 49
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2018
Page 2
1
III. PUBLIC HEARING. 2
3
A. Consider a request for a variance to allow for the construction of a pool and 4
accessory structure at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace. 5
6
City Planner Breanne Rothstein stated Staff recommends tabling this application due to the need 7
to amend the public hearing notice to increase the variance request. The original notice went out 8
to residents proposing a setback variance 9 feet less than needed. Tabling this request will allow 9
staff to re-notice the public hearing with accurate setback requests. This item will then be 10
considered at the November Planning Commission meeting. 11
12
Vice Chair Socha opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. 13
14
No one was present to provide testimony. 15
16
Vice Chair Socha closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. 17
18
City Planner Rothstein noted this will be on the agenda at the November 26, 2018 Meeting. 19
20
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Neumann, to table the application 21
for request for a variance to allow for the construction of a pool and accessory structure at 4021 22
Silver Lake Terrace. 23
24
Motion carried 4-0. 25
26
B. Consider Ordinance 2018-01 an amended ordinance related to decks. 27
28
Ms. Rothstein reviewed based on an administrative appeal to staff’s interpretation of the 29
regulations applicable to decks, the Planning Commission directed staff to prepare an ordinance 30
relating to and regulating the setbacks for decks. Currently, the city code does not have any 31
regulations relating to decks. Section 150.124 relates to the definition of Accessory Structures. 32
This section has been what staff has used to apply to decks, but is not ideal in the applicability to 33
decks. The suggested draft ordinance would establish the following provisions: 34
35
1) A definition of “deck”. 36
37
DECK – A platform attached to and projecting from the wall of a building or constructed on top 38
of a building designed to be used by people as space which is part of the structure. For the 39
purpose of this Zoning Ordinance a deck is considered “attached” if any part of it is within five 40
(5) feet of an adjacent wall or building. An unattached deck, or a deck attached to an accessory 41
building, shall be considered an accessory building. 42
43
2) Add language in “permitted encroachments” relating to decks. 44
45
3) Setbacks related to decks. 46
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2018
Page 3
1
(G) Decks which are not higher than thirty (30) inches above grade at any given point along the 2
grade are permitted to encroach into the rear yard setback by 10 feet and the side yard setback, as 3
long as a minimum side yard setback of 5 feet is maintained. This encroachment does not apply 4
in the R-1A Residential Lakeshore District or to decks higher than thirty (30) inches above grade 5
at any given point along the grade. Such decks must comply with the setbacks for principal 6
structures. 7
8
City Planner Rothstein noted this is the zoning code and does not need to match the building 9
code. She reviewed the discussion held at the last meeting. This Ordinance will have a policy 10
impact closer to the rear property line than currently written. 11
12
Commissioner Neumann asked about not including the R-1A Residential Lakeshore District. Ms. 13
Rothstein stated this section of code allows for an exception and within the R-1A no exceptions 14
are available. If there is a platform deck or a deck at grade those are okay to encroach but if there 15
is a tall deck, on the second story, the 25-foot property setback should remain. 16
17
Commissioner Larson asked if a structure is under 30 inches but closer than 5 feet to the house 18
will it be subject to the setbacks of the primary structure. Ms. Rothstein responded if it is under 19
30 inches that is what is allowed to encroach into the setback. It must maintain 5 feet on the side 20
but can encroach up to 10 feet in the rear setback. A deck is defined as an attached structure if 21
within 5 feet. 22
23
Commissioner Westrick asked for clarification on the definition of deck. Ms. Rothstein stated 24
there are two different sections and if a deck is free standing, it is considered an accessory 25
building. 26
27
Commissioner Neumann asked about those properties that have alleys. Ms. Rothstein stated 28
when setbacks are determined it is from the property line. The property line is at the alley. 29
There are no stricter requirements for alleys than for properties without an alley. Commissioner 30
Neumann asked if someone was not on an alley and wanted to construct a carriage house with a 31
deck on top, would that be exempt. Ms. Rothstein stated that would be allowed. Grade is an 32
issue. Commissioner Neumann asked if Mary Friend would be able to build her deck as she 33
wishes. Ms. Rothstein stated it would not allow her to build her deck at eight feet. 34
35
Commissioner Larson asked what the R-1 rear yard setback is and Ms. Rothstein stated 25 feet 36
or 20% of the depth of the lot whichever is greater. Ms. Rothstein stated the setback varies based 37
on the zoning district and the lot depth. 38
39
Vice Chair Socha opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. 40
41
Ms. Mary Friend, 3113 Edward Street NE, stated she is hoping to build a low-level deck in her 42
backyard. She attended the Planning Commission Meeting in September and noted the setback is 43
now 15 feet. The plan she brought to the Commission last year had a 7- or 8-foot setback. She 44
does not think she is asking for anything extreme. Ms. Friend read the definition of a patio and 45
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2018
Page 4
asked when a deck becomes a patio. She wants to build a deck similar to a patio less than 18 1
inches high and would like the same setback for her low to the ground patio. 2
3
Ms. Rothstein suggested the Commission discuss which depth of setback or setback 4
encroachment is appropriate. The recommendation can move forward to the Council. 5
6
Vice Chair Socha closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. 7
8
Vice Chair Socha stated the number of feet the encroachment should be is the point to be 9
discussed. 10
11
Commissioner Larson asked if a person wanted to build a shed within five feet of the rear 12
property line. Ms. Rothstein stated an accessory structure, such as a garage, can be built within 13
five feet of the side or rear property line. Commissioner Larson stated it seems a deck which is 14
also an accessory structure could be built within five feet of the rear property line. Ms. Rothstein 15
stated that a true accessory structure deck can be within five feet of the rear property line but it 16
needs to be unattached from the home. A patio could be restricted due to impervious land but if 17
the patio was completely separate, that could be up to five feet from property line. Commissioner 18
Larson believes this is inappropriate. 19
20
Vice Chair Socha stated a short deck is less intrusive on a neighbor’s property than a garage or 21
other accessory. One of the concerns of having a tall deck near the neighbors, was privacy for the 22
neighbors. It would seem a short deck would not be a problem. 23
24
Ms. Rothstein stated a Commissioner needs to leave and asked if the Commission would like to 25
table this item or make a decision in the next few minutes. 26
27
Commissioner Neumann stated she feels comfortable. 28
29
Commissioner Westrick posed a question about the accessory structure and the five-foot setback. 30
She feels there may be some inconsistencies in the wording. 31
32
Ms. Rothstein asked what the Commission wanted to do regarding attached platform decks, 33
noting she can bring it back or a recommendation can be made to Council on whatever the 34
Commission would like to do. A “deck” is attached regardless of the height and a patio/deck that 35
is not attached is an accessory structure. The height is what determines the setback. Being 36
discussed are attached platform decks under 30 inches in height. 37
38
Commissioner Neuman stated she thinks the Commission wants a 5-foot side and 5-foot rear 39
setback. This would allow Mary Friend to build her deck because it would not encroach her 40
neighbor’s property. Ms. Rothstein stated it would read a 20-foot encroachment in the R-1 41
zoning district. 42
43
Vice Chair Socha stated there is a difference between a patio and a 30-inch-high deck. A 30-44
inch-high deck would need to have handrails. She referred to the definition of the deck and noted 45
it seems rather circular. She suggested revising it to read an unattached platform or a platform 46
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2018
Page 5
attached to an accessory structure shall be considered an accessory building. Ms. Rothstein stated 1
that would be an acceptable edit. 2
3
Commissioner Neumann asked what Ms. Rothstein meant in saying code changes all the time. 4
Ms. Rothstein stated from time to time, the ordinances get amended. They are kept online as the 5
most updated version. Every update goes through a public hearing at the Planning Commission 6
and then onto the City Council. 7
8
Motion by Commissioner Neumann, seconded by Commissioner Westrick to recommend the 9
City Council adopt Ordinance No. 2018-01; An Ordinance Amending Sections 152.008 10
Definitions and 152.177 Permitted Encroachments in Yards as revised up to a 20-foot 11
encroachment into the rear yard setback and minimum side setback of 5 feet and revising the 12
definition of deck to include platform decks 30 inches or lower. 13
14
Motion carried 4-0. 15
16
Commissioner Westrick left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. 17
18
IV. STAFF REPORTS – NONE. 19
20
V. OTHER BUSINESS. 21
22
A. Review recommendations related to the City’s current solar ordinance by Solsmart. 23
24
This item was tabled due to lack of a quorum. 25
26
Motion by Commissioner Socha, seconded by Commissioner Neumann, to table acceptance of 27
the report by SolSmart as it relates to the City’s Solar Ordinance. 28
29
Motion carried 3-0. 30
31
VI. COMMUNITY FORUM. 32
33
No one appeared to address the Commission. 34
35
VII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 36
37
Commissioner Neumann reported on SAVEC in St. Anthony Village. There was an incident that 38
occurred at the High School where some students of color chose to sit during the National 39
Anthem and a teacher/staff told the students her husband was in the military and their actions 40
were inappropriate. The parents were not notified when the students were called into a meeting. 41
SAVEC was called and asked to make a statement. SAVEC and Communities United Against 42
Police Brutality attended a School Board Meeting, which was closed to the public, and made a 43
joint statement. SAVEC is reviewing its structure and policies to find ways to be better 44
advocates. 45
46
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2018
Page 6
Vice Chair Socha introduced Nimo Hashi as the student liaison on the Planning Commission. 1
2
VIII. ADJOURNMENT. 3
4
Motion by Commissioner Neumann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to adjourn the meeting 5
at 7:50 p.m. 6
7
Motion carried 3-0. 8
9
Respectfully submitted, 10
Debbie Wolfe (TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.) 11
MEMORANDUM
To: St. Anthony Village Planning Commission
From: Molly Just, AICP, City Planner
Date: Planning Commission Regular Meeting for November 26, 2018
WSB Project No. 11104‐00: 4021 Silver Lake Terrace Variance Application
Request: Request for variances from the rear setback to add an accessory building,
swimming pool, and pool mechanical equipment in the R‐1A Single Family
Lakeshore District at the property located at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace.
SUMMARY
The applicant proposes to add an accessory building, swimming pool and pool mechanical equipment in
the rear yard. The proposal requires approval of variances from the 75‐foot required rear yard. For lots
on Silver Lake, the rear yard is measured from the ordinary high water elevation for Silver Lake, which is
934 feet. The existing home meets this setback. The following variances are proposed.
1. A 65‐foot variance for an accessory building to be located no closer than 10‐feet to the ordinary
high water elevation of Silver Lake.
2. A 39‐foot variance for a swimming pool to be located no closer than 36‐feet to the ordinary high
water elevation of Silver Lake. A 24‐foot variance for pool mechanical equipment to be located
no closer than 51‐feet to the ordinary high water elevation.
Several other homes with lake frontage on Silver Lake have accessory buildings in the rear yard setback.
There are two other swimming pools in rear yards along Silver Lake. Both were approved prior to the
current ordinance requirement for a 75‐foot setback.
Staff has reviewed for height, side/front yard setback, impervious surface and the requests appear to
meet all other code standards.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant: Dan & Alisa Bartel
Owner: Dan & Alisa Bartel
Location: 4021 Silver Lake Terrace
Existing Land Use / Low‐Density Residential / Zoned: R‐1A Single Family Lakeshore District
Zoning:
Surrounding Land North: Open Water – Silver Lake
Use / Zoning: East: Low‐Density Residential / Zoned: R‐1A Single Family Lakeshore District
South: Multi‐Family Residential / Zoned: R‐4 Multiple Family District
West: Low‐Density Residential / Zoned: R‐1A Single Family Lakeshore District
November 26, 2018
Page 2
Initial Application Date: 09‐28‐18
Complete Application Date: 10‐15‐18
Deadline for Agency: 12‐14‐18
Action: 60 Days: TBD
Letter Sent: No
120 Days: NA
CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED VARIANCE
1. Background
The applicant proposes to construct an accessory building, swimming pool and pool mechanical
equipment in the required rear setback along Silver Lake. The minimum required setback in the R‐
1A District is 75 feet for lots located on Silver Lake. Most homes along the lake are located close to
the street, creating a somewhat uniform and pleasing rhythm of building facades along Silver Lane,
Silver Lake Terrace, and Silver Lake Court. The subject property is complementary to this
predominant home placement and is larger than the average lake front lot.
The R‐1A Single Family Lakeshore District was adopted by St. Anthony Village in 1991. The purpose
of the district is to create and maintain lakeshore areas for single‐family detached residences which,
due to the natural amenity of the lake, and the topographic characteristics, call for zoning
regulations which are somewhat different from other single‐family districts and which are designed
for the preservation of natural areas.
2. Applicable Codes.
Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 152 Zoning Code:
Accessory Building: Section 152.054 (G) Rear yard applies to the accessory building. The year
yard requirement for lots along the lake is a minimum of 75‐feet from the ordinary high water
elevation.
Swimming pool: Section 152.053 (B. 1) and (B. 3) apply to the pool and pool mechanical
equipment. No part of a swimming pool or its mechanical equipment may be located within the
setback.
Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 152 Zoning Code, Section 152.245 VARIANCE (A) Application states
that “An owner of property with an existing structure which does not comply with the zoning
code, or of property on which such a structure is proposed to be constructed, may apply for a
variance upon payment of the fee specified in Chapter 33”.
3. Criteria for and Consistency with Criteria for Variance Approval. Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 152
Zoning Code, Section 152.245 Variance, (C) Evidence, lists the criteria the City Council must consider
in determining whether to grant or deny a variance.
Request: Variance requests for addition of an accessory building, swimming pool, and pool
mechanical equipment within the 75‐foot rear yard setback in the R‐1A Single Family Lakeshore
District. The applicable criteria include:
1. The subject matter of the application is within the scope of this section.
The application for variances to the rear yard setback is an eligible subject matter for variance
criteria because these factors are related to dimensional and/or bulk standards. Criterion met
for the accessory building and for the swimming pool/mechanical equipment.
November 26, 2018
Page 3
2. Strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties because:
a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by the zoning code;
Accessory Building: The applicant is proposing to add a 150 square foot accessory
building to the rear yard. The request is reasonable and there are other such buildings
along the lake. Criterion met.
Swimming Pool with support mechanical equipment: The applicant is proposing to add
a 963 square foot pool with concrete deck and a 28 square foot concrete pad for pool
mechanical equipment in the rear yard. There are two other swimming pools in rear
yards along the lake. Both were approved prior to establishment of the R‐1A lakeshore
zoning designation. Criterion not met.
b. The plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not
created by the property owner;
Accessory Building. The topography of the property creates a practical difficulty in the
reasonable enjoyment of the lake. Criterion met.
Swimming Pool. The owner has not created the need for a variance. Criterion met.
c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality; and
Accessory Building. Granting this variance will not alter the essential character of the
locality. Criterion met.
Swimming Pool. The lakeshore zoning district was adopted in 1991 and set express
limitations on swimming pools. The zoning designation sets the standard for the
essential character for this area of the City. Criterion not met.
d. Economic considerations alone are not the basis of the practical difficulties.
Accessory Building. The applicant’s request is not related to any financial considerations
and granting the variance would not relieve the applicant of any financial hardship.
Criterion met.
Swimming Pool. The applicant’s request is not related to any financial considerations
and granting the variance would not relieve the applicant of any financial hardship.
Criterion met.
3. The variance, if granted, would be consistent with the City’s comprehensive land use plan.
If the variance is granted the use of the property would remain the same land use as it is today,
low‐density residential. The comprehensive plan guides this area detached housing units and
granting this variance request will not alter that land use. Criterion met for the accessory
building and for the swimming pool/mechanical equipment.
4. The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the zoning
code.
The intent of the zoning code is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the city and
its people through the establishment of minimum regulations governing land development and
use. The zoning code is established to: protect the use districts; promote orderly development
and redevelopment; provide adequate light, air, and access to property; prevent congestion in
the public streets; prevent overcrowding of land and undue concentration of structures by
November 26, 2018
Page 4
regulating land, buildings, yards, and densities; and provide for compatibility of different land
uses.
Accessory Building. Such uses are expressly permitted in the zoning district. The applicant is
seeking a variance for the placement of the 150 square foot building. Criterion met.
Swimming Pool. The R‐1 Single Family District has no unique regulations for pools. The R‐1A
Single Family Lakeshore District was adopted in 1991 and expressly regulates swimming pools.
No part of a swimming pool is allowed within 75 feet of the ordinary high water elevation of the
lake. The mechanical equipment is also expressly regulated by the same rear yard setback. All
the pool (963 square feet) and mechanical equipment (28 square feet) would be located within
the rear yard setback. Criterion not met.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
1. Motion to recommend approval of part or all the variance requests at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace
and direct staff to prepare a resolution declaring terms of the same.
2. Motion to recommend denial of the variance requests. In the event of a recommendation for
denial, the Planning Commission must state its findings related to denial.
3. Request Additional Information and Table Action. The Applicant appears to have provided
enough information for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to approve or
deny the request.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the following conditions be placed on approval of the proposed variance
requests at 2041 Silver Lake Terrace:
1. The proposed accessory building at 2041 Silver Lake Terrace shall be no closer than 10‐feet
from the ordinary high water elevation of 934 feet and generally located as shown in the
application materials.
2. The proposed swimming pool at 2041 Silver Lake Terrace shall be no closer than 36‐feet from
the ordinary high water elevation of 934 feet and generally located as shown in the application
materials.
3. The proposed pool mechanical equipment and pad at 2041 Silver Lake Terrace shall be no
closer than 51‐feet from the ordinary high water elevation of 934 feet and generally located as
shown in the application materials.
4. Issuance of a building permit for proposed accessory building and/or swimming pool with
mechanical equipment that meets all the requirements of the building code, all other provision
of the zoning code not subject to this variance, and all other applicable regulations, including
review by City Engineer.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Location map
Exhibit B: Application and Supporting Material
Exhibit C: Draft resolution
4021 Silver Lake Terrace - Context05/03/2018
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
October 16, 2018
Breanne Rothstein - City Planner
St. Anthony Village City Hall
3301 Silver Lake Road
St. Anthony Village, MN 55418
Breanne:
I am writing in support of the variance request for 4021 Silver Lake Terrace. My wife and I feel
that this variance request is reasonable and will not interfere with the use of the lake or the
surrounding area. It will most certainly blend in with the existing structures in the neighborhood.
If you would like to contact me for further input on my support of the variance, I can be reached
at 612-990-5678.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bryan and Kristin Jones
2505 Silver Lane NE
St. Anthony, MN 55421
11/21/2018
1
Variance
4021 Silver Lake Terrace, NE
Planning Commission Meeting
November 26, 2018
Variance Requests
Variance to allow the addition of an accessory building, swimming
pool and mechanical equipment.
•Required rear yard setback of 75-feet. Currently met.
•Proposed is 10-feet for the accessory building, resulting in a
65-foot variance.
•Proposed is 36-feet for the swimming pool, resulting in a 39-
foot variance.
•Proposed is 51-feet for the mechanical equipment, resulting
in a 24-foot variance.
2 2
11/21/2018
2
3
Proposal
11/21/2018
3
Applicable Codes
•City Code Chapter 152 Zoning Code, Section 152.050 R-1A
Single-Family Lakeshore District applies to this proposal.
•Sections 150.053 (B) (1) and (3) apply to setbacks for
swimming pools and pool mechanical equipment.
•Sections 152.054 applies to setbacks for buildings.
5
6
Proposed Accessory Building
11/21/2018
4
Criteria For Variance Approval
The City Council must consider the following:
1.The subject matter is within the scope of this section.
Criterian met for accessory building and for pool/mechanical
equipment.
2.Strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties because:
a.The applicant proposes to use the property in a
reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning code.
Criterian met for accessory building and not met for
pool/mechanical equipment.
7
Variance Criteria Continued
b.The circumstances are unique to the property and
not created by the applicant.Criterian met for
accessory building and for pool/mechanical
equipment.
c.The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential
character of the locality. Criterian met for accessory
building and not met for pool/mechanical
equipment.
d.Economic considerations alone are not the basis of
the practical difficulties. Criterian met for accessory
building and for pool/mechanical equipment.
8
11/21/2018
5
Variance Criteria Continued
3.Consistency with the City’s comprehensive land use
plan. Criterian met for the accessory building and for
pool/mechanical equipment.
4.The variance is in harmony with the general purposes
and intent of the zoning code. Criterian met for
accessory building and not met for pool/mechanical
equipment.
9
Planning Commission
Recommendation
Planning Commission may recommend
approval, approval of part, or denial.
10
11/21/2018
6
Questions?
11
EXHIBIT - C:
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION __________
RESOLUTION APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE FROM THE REQUIRED SEVENTY-
FIVE (75) FOOT REAR YARD SETBACK AS FOLLOWS: A SIXTY-FIVE (65) FOOT VARIANCE
FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING, A THIRTY-NINE (39) FOOT VARIANCE FOR A SWIMMING
POOL, AND A TWENTY-FOUR (24) FOOT VARIANCE FOR POOL MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
IN THE R-1A DISTRICT AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
4021 SILVER LAKE TERRACE
WHEREAS, the City of St. Anthony Village received a request from the Applicant and Property
Owners Dan & Alisa Bartel for a variance to the seventy-five (75) foot rear yard setback for an accessory
building, swimming pool, and pool mechanical equipment in the in the R-1A District at the property located at
4021 Silver Lake Terrace on September 28, 2018, legally described as follows:
BEGINNING AT INTERSECTION OF NWLY AND NELY LINES OF SILVER LANE AND
SILVER LAKE TERRACE; TH NWLY 244 91/1OO FT ON SD NELY L; TH N 2O DEG 49 MIN E
122 FT; TH NELY TO PT 5OO FT E AND 1125 FT S FROM W AND N LINES OF SE 1/4 OF NW
1/4 TH S PAR WITH W L OF SD 1/4 1/4 T
WHEREAS, the property located at 4021 Silver Lake Road is located within the City’s R-1A Single
Family Lakeshore District; and
WHEREAS, per Sections 152.053 and 152.054 of the city code, lots located along Silver Lake must
have a seventy-five (75) foot setback; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has requested a sixty-five (65) foot variance for an accessory building; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has requested a thirty-nine (39) foot variance for a swimming pool, and a
twenty-four (24) foot variance for pool mechanical equipment that they propose for their property; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the request based on the related
documents shown in the Applicant’s application in a public hearing at their regular meeting on November 26,
2018 and recommended approval of the request; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the requested
variance, subject to the following conditions:
1. The rear yard setback dimension at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace for the proposed accessory building shall
not be less than 65 feet from the ordinary high water mark as shown in the application materials.
2. The rear yard setback dimension at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace for the proposed swimming pool shall not
be less than 39 feet from the ordinary high water mark as shown in the application materials.
3. The rear yard setback dimension at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace for the proposed pool mechanical
equipment shall not be less than 24 feet from the ordinary high water mark as shown in the application
materials.
4. Issuance of a building permit for the proposed improvements that meets all the requirements of the
building code, all other provision of the zoning code not subject to this variance, and all other applicable
regulations.
Adopted this day of , 2018.
_____________________________
Jerome O Faust, Mayor
ATTEST:____________________________
Nicole Miller, City Clerk
Reviewed for administration: ______________________________
Mark Casey, City Manager
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on November 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 3301 Silver Lake Road, the
Saint Anthony Village City Council will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a variance
request for the property located at 4021 Silver Lake Terrace. The request is for a 39 foot variance to
allow for the construction of a pool up to 35 feet from the ordinary high water mark, and a 65 foot
variance to allow for the construction of an accessory structure 10 feet from the ordinary high water
mark.
Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend. Oral testimony will be
accepted on the above subject at this meeting. Written comments may be taken at the St. Anthony
Village City Hall, 3301 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony Village, Minnesota 55418 until the date of the
hearing. Questions may be directed to the City Planner at 763‐231‐4863.
The Planning Commission agenda and packet item relating to this application will be made available
prior to the meeting online at www.savmn.com .
Breanne Rothstein, AICP
City Planner
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
MEMORANDUM
To: Planning Commissioners
From: Molly Just, AICP, City Planner
Date: Planning Commission meeting on November 26, 2018
WSB Project No. 011104‐00
Request: Review Solsmart Recommendations regarding the City’s solar ordinance
RECOMMENDATION
Review and accept the report by SolSmart related to the city’s solar ordinance.
BACKGROUND
The city of St. Anthony seeks to get certified as a “SolSmart Community”. This is an initiative to advance
the city’s sustainability work and to implement certain provisions of the comprehensive plan. This
designation sets the city apart as one of the leaders in implementing solar friendly and sustainable
principles.
One of the requirements of the designation is that solar industry review and comment on the city’s
ordinance. No action is required of the city except to review and accept the report by SolSmart. It is not
recommended by staff that any changes are made to the city’s ordinance at this time. The city spent a lot
of effort discussing the solar ordinance and staff believes it serves the city well at this time.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to accept the report by SolSmart related to the city’s solar ordinance.
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
ZONING REVIEW – St. Anthony Village
Potential barriers in current code language
Section(s) Element Reviewer Comments Example(s) from other
codes Priority level
§ 152.122 –
C General
Commercial
District
Condition
al use
The zoning ordinance
stipulates that solar
energy systems are
permitted by
conditional use permit
only.
It is a best practice to
permit solar energy
systems as a by-right
accessory use in all
zoning districts.
More permissive:
“Solar Energy Systems as
described in this Article are
permitted in all zoning
districts as an accessory use
to a permitted principal use
subject to the standards for
accessory uses in the
applicable zoning district and
the specific criteria set forth in
this article.” (Renewable
Energy Ordinance
Framework, DVRPC)
Less permissive:
“Solar Energy Systems shall
be considered an accessory
use and permitted by right if
mounted to an existing
structure and if any
percentage of the energy is
used for one or more of the
principal uses on the same
lot.” (Renewable Energy
Ordinance Framework,
DVRPC)
High (Allowing
solar as by-right
accessory use
will significantly
reduce
installation times
and costs, which
should
encourage
further
development of
solar energy.)
§
152.187(B)(
2)(a)
Visibility The zoning ordinance
limits visibility of solar
energy systems from
the nearest street
frontage. It is not a
best practice to screen
solar energy systems
or limit their visibility
from public rights-of-
way.
More permissive option:
Screening of Mechanical and
Electrical Equipment: All
exterior mechanical and
electrical equipment shall be
screened on all vertical sides
at least to the height of the
equipment it is screening and
incorporated into the design
of buildings to the maximum
extent feasible. Equipment to
Medium
(Screening
requirements
may increase the
cost of
installation and
could also
decrease the
efficiency of a
solar energy
system by
PZD-1a: Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally
prohibit solar PV development. Compile findings in a memo. (Required)
To assist your community, the national solar experts at SolSmart have conducted a review of your
community’s zoning code to assess possible barriers (i.e. height restrictions, set-back requirements, etc.)
and gaps related to solar PV development. Below, please find the outcome of their review. By reading the
narrative, reviewing the example code language provided, and signing the statement at the bottom of the
page, your community will satisfy PZD-1a and be one step closer to achieving SolSmart designation.
be screened includes, but is
not limited to, all roof-
mounted equipment, air
conditioners, heaters, utility
meters, cable equipment,
telephone entry boxes,
backflow preventions,
irrigation control valves,
electrical transformers, pull
boxes, and all ducting for air
conditioning, heating, and
blower systems. Screening
materials may include
landscaping or other
materials that shall be
consistent with the exterior
colors and materials of the
building. Solar energy
systems are exempt from
this screening requirement.
(emphasis added) The
Architectural Review Board or
Landmarks Commission may
reduce the height of the
required screening based on
the placement of the
equipment on the roof, the
existing height of the subject
building and surrounding
buildings, and the overall
visibility of the equipment.
(Santa Monica Zoning Code)
Less permissive option:
Current language in §
152.187(B)(2)(a)
increase shading
of solar
modules.)
§
152.187(B)(
3)(a)
Setbacks The zoning ordinance
requires double the
minimum setback for
freestanding solar
energy systems.
More permissive option:
(1) Small- and medium-scale
ground-mounted solar energy
systems accessory to
principal use may be located
no closer than [1/2 of the
setback that would otherwise
apply] from the front, side or
rear lot line. All ground-
mounted solar energy
systems in residential districts
shall be installed either in the
side yard or rear yard to the
extent practicable
(Massachusetts Dept. of
Energy Resources, Model
Zoning for the Regulation of
Solar Energy Systems)
Low (The City
may want to
consider
reducing the
setback
requirements for
solar energy
systems and/or
allow them to
encroach
reasonably into
the setback so
that they can
receive adequate
sunlight to make
them efficient.)
Less permissive option:
(2) Small- and medium-scale
ground-mounted solar energy
systems accessory to a
principal use may be located
no closer than [twenty (20)
feet] from the front, side or
rear lot line. All ground-
mounted solar energy
systems in residential districts
shall be installed either in the
side yard or rear yard to the
extent practicable.
(Massachusetts Dept. of
Energy Resources, Model
Zoning for the Regulation of
Solar Energy Systems)
§
152.187(B)(
3)(a)
Placement
of free-
standing
systems
The zoning ordinance
limits the installation of
free-standing solar
energy systems to the
rear yard. While this is
understandable from
an aesthetic
perspective, it could
limit the number of
viable sites for
installing solar energy
systems.
More permissive option:
Ground-Mounted Systems
shall not be permitted in a
front yard unless the
applicant demonstrates that
the rear yard locations will not
result in acceptable solar
access. (Renewable Energy
Ordinance Framework,
DVRPC)
Less permissive option:
Current language in §
152.187(B)(3)(a)
Low (Allowing
solar energy to
be installed in
the side, front, or
rear yard would
increase the
viable sites for
solar systems,
especially if a
rear yard and/or
roof is shaded.)
§
152.187(B)(
3)(b)
Freestandi
ng solar
energy
systems
The zoning ordinance
limits freestanding
solar systems to 3% of
the lot area. In R-1, R-
1A, that would limit
freestanding systems
to about 5.3 kW in size.
Most permissive option:
“For purposes of determining
compliance with building
coverage standards of the
applicable zoning district, the
total horizontal projection
area of all ground-mounted
and free-standing solar
collectors, including solar
photovoltaic cells, panels,
arrays, inverters, shall be
considered pervious
coverage so long as pervious
conditions are maintained
underneath the solar
photovoltaic cells, panels,
and arrays.” (Renewable
Energy Ordinance
Framework, DVRPC)
Less permissive option:
“For purposes of determining
compliance with building
coverage standards of the
Low (The
existing zoning
would limit the
size of ground-
mounted solar
energy systems
in the R-1 and R-
1A districts to
roughly 5 kW.
Systems of this
size would
produce enough
energy to cover
about half of an
average
household’s
load. Therefore,
the existing
ordinance
language would
prohibit larger
systems that
could offset more
of the energy
applicable zoning district, the
total horizontal projection
area of all ground-mounted
and free-standing solar
collectors, including solar
photovoltaic cells, panels,
arrays, inverters and solar hot
air or water collector devices,
shall be considered ___%
impervious coverage. For
example, if the total
horizontal projection of a
solar energy system is 100
square feet, XX square feet
shall count towards the
impervious coverage
standard. For a tracking array
or other moveable system,
the horizontal projection area
shall be calculated at a 33-
degree tilt angle.”
(Renewable Energy
Ordinance Framework,
DVRPC)
load on site, or
which could be
sent back to the
grid.)
Potential gaps in current code language
Element Reviewer Comments Example(s) from other codes Priority level
Ex. Setbacks,
Height
Restrictions,
Definition, etc.
Additional notes
I,
have received the zoning review and read its findings.
[Name]
[Title]
[State]
, as of
[Community]
,
Signature ____________________________________________ Date _________________________
,
Approved by City Council on _________
St. Anthony Village Planning Commission
2019 Work Plan
The Planning Commission is a seven member advisory commission, appointed by the City Council and
charged with the following duties (City Code Chapter 32, Section 32.06):
A) Review and make recommendations to the City Council as to a comprehensive municipal plan,
including the land use plan, a community facilities plan, a transportation plan, and
recommendations for plan adoption and execution;
B) Consider and make recommendations to the City Council as to all proposed subdivisions and
plats;
C) Consider and make recommendations to the City Council as to all proposed amendments to the
Chapters 151 and 152 of this code regarding subdivisions and zoning;
D) Consider, hold hearings, and make recommendations on conditional use permit applications;
E) Review all applications for variance to zoning, hold hearings, and make recommendations to the
City Council; and
F) Review requests for sign variances.
In 2019, the Planning Commission will focus on the following items:
1. Continue training on both planning/zoning issues through GTS/WSB partnership.
2. Review and make recommendations on land use and development applications, including
holding public hearings.
3. Upon approval and adoption of the comprehensive plan, begin work on implementation of
zoning amendments needed to effect the plan. Provide recommendations to the City Council on
such amendments.
From:Thomas Patrick Lavin III
To:Nicole Miller
Cc:jolynn.lavin@genmills.com
Subject:Bartel Variance
Date:Sunday, November 25, 2018 9:40:30 PM
Nicole:
It is our understanding that there will be a discussion and possible decision at your next board meeting regarding a
variance that the Bartel family are requesting so that they may put in pool at their home.
We will not be able to attend this meeting but as their neighbours, my wife JoLynn and I wish to advocate for this
variance.
We support their choice to put this additional fixture onto their property and do not believe it will effect our home or
property in any way.
If you have any further questions please feel free to let us know
Thanks,
Tom and JoLynn
Thomas P Lavin III
651-592-9613