1991-09-24 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 24, 1991
DRAFT
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission
was held on Tuesday, September 24, 1991, in the City Hall Council
Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order
at 7:35 o'clock p.m. The following Commission members were
present: Friel, Koll, Duggan, Dreelan, Krebsbach, Tilsen.
Excused members were Chair Dwyer. Also present were Public Works
Director James Danielson, Planning Consultant Tim Malloy, and
Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Friel moved approval of the August 27,
1991 minutes. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 1 (Tilsen)
CASE NO. 91-34:
CHEESEBROW VARIANCE
Mr. Nick Cheesebrow, of 594 West Marie Avenue, was
present to explain his requested variance. Mr.
Cheesebrow stated that his old garage was a carport
originally and that he had it modified in 1965 and it
now needs new work. Mr. Cheesebrow stated that Marie
Avenue is a dangerous road to enter from his property
because of the hill on Marie and the traffic as it
comes over the hill at the corner of Callahan and
Marie. Mr. Cheesebrow stated that most visitors to his
home park on Callahan because of the situation on Marie
Avenue. Mr. Cheesebrow stated that he desires to have
a two car garage and has requirements for more storage
needs. He stated that should he receive permission to
build his two car garage that he would be removing the
detached shed on his property that he currently uses
for storage. Mr. Cheesebrow stated that the house is
constructed as passive, solar and that is the reason it
is skewed towards the side lot line. Mr. Cheesebrow
stated this is why the corner of the garage, as
proposed, is two feet four inches over the side yard
setback. He stated the encroachment on the setback was
a total of seven square feet.
Commissioner Koll stated that the two car garage looked
like an improvement to the home and that it appears the
traffic problem is real at the hill on Marie.
Commissioner Koll inquired if the garage apron was 30
AYES:
NAYS:
CASE NO.
KEITHAHN
feet from the right-of-way on Marie Avenue as required
in the new Zoning Ordinance. Public Works Director Jim
Danielson responded that the driveway meets the
requirements of the Ordinance and is approximately 45
feet from the intersection.
Commissioner Friel stated that this seems to be a minor
request and inquired if the orientation of the garage
could be moved two feet to avoid the variance. Mr.
Cheesebrow responded that his original design for a two
car garage showed a larger garage of 28 feet. Mr.
Cheesebrow stated he revised the size of the garage
downwards by moving it nine inches to the west and he
cut the length of the garage from 21 feet to 20 feet.
Mr. Cheesebrow explained that there was a skylight on
the west of the house that illuminates his front entry.
Moving the garage further west would cause this light
to be eliminated. Mr. Cheesebrow stated that he is
already removing the four foot skylight and replacing
it with a three foot skylight in order to adjust the
garage. Mr. Cheesebrow stated he doesn't want to lose
the skylight as it illuminates his interior front entry
and provides an amenity to the home.
Commissioner Duggan inquired if the shed is coming down
and Mr. Cheesebrow responded yes.
Commissioner Friel moved to recommend that the City
Council approve the requested two foot four inch side
yard abutting a street setback variance. Commissioner
Koll seconded the motion.
6
0
91-37:
VARIANCE
Mr. John Spencer, of Sawhorse Builders, appeared before
the Planning Commission to explain the requested rear
yard setback variance of 2.6 feet for Mr. Larry
Keithahn, of 697 Decorah. Mr. Spencer explained that
the home was constructed without any crawl space for
expansion and that the expansion is needed for a
growing family. Vice-Chair Krebsbach inquired if there
was a full basement on this house. Mr. Spencer
responded no.
Commissioner Tilsen stated that it appears the City
will be receiving a lot of these types of variances in
this neighborhood. Tilsen stated that Delaware
Crossings was built without basements and that he
believes the lots are minimal in size for the size of
houses constructed there. Tilsen stated that caution
should be urged on variances in this area. He stated
that it appears many houses in this neighborhood had
been built without family rooms and no basements.
Vice-Chair Krebsbach inquired how many houses in this
area have no basements. Public Works Director Jim
Danielson responded that it was his impression that
most of the houses in this neighborhood do have
basements. Commissioner Duggan responded that he knew
people in this neighborhood and that the lack of
basements was probably the exception, rather than the
rule. He stated he has visited houses in this
neighborhood and that most of the basements are damp
during wet weather. Commissioner Dreelan suggested to
Mr. Spencer that sump pumps and drain tile be installed
as most of the area has a history of wet basements.
Commissioner Koll inquired about what type of gutter
runoff plans there would be. Mr. Spencer explained the
gutter plan and that it wouldn't drain onto the
neighbors property. Mr. Spencer stated that they would
be relocating the Juniper bushes to another location in
the yard and that the big tree in the back yard will
remain.
Commissioner Koll moved to recommend that the City
Council approve the requested 2.6 foot rear yard
setback variance. Commissioner Duggan seconded the
motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
CASE NO. 91-29:
RESURRECTION SIGN VARIANCE
Mr. Jon Louris, Assistant Superintendent of
Resurrection Cemetery, appeared before the Planning
Commission to discuss a request for temporary signs
that require a setback variance and a time limit
variance. Mr. Louris explained the recent approvals
for the new sign system that has been constructed at
Resurrection Cemetery. Mr. Louris stated Resurrection
Cemetery now realizes that the old entrance needs to be
closed with some proper traffic direction to the new
entrance. He stated Resurrection Cemetery will be
removing the old entrance and fencing it shut.
Mr. Louris stated it is Resurrection's intention to
have a temporary sign internal on the lot warning about
the closing of the entrance on October 15th. He stated
Resurrection would be sending letters to all funeral
directors in the area. Mr. Louris explained when the
gate is closed Resurrection Cemetery would then like to
place a sign on the gate explaining the new location of
the main entrance.
Commissioner Duggan inquired about the size of the
signs, if they met the requirements. Public Works
Director Jim Danielson stated temporary signs are
allowed to be 25 square feet and both of these signs
are significantly less than 25 square feet,
approximately in the neighborhood of six or seven
square feet.
Commissioner Friel moved to recommend that City Council
approve a setback variance to allow a temporary sign to
be placed on the property line for a period of one
year. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
CASE NO. 91 -35:
KNAEBLE SUBDIVISION
Mr. Peter Knaeble appeared before the Planning
Commission to discuss his proposal to split 1760 Dodd
Road into a three lot preliminary plat that would
require two variances to the required 100 foot lot
width and would require wetlands permits to place the
two houses and a culvert. Mr. Knaeble explained their
proposal includes two new flag lots with a common
drive. Mr. Knaeble submitted for the public record an
outline discussing his presentation. (See attached.)
Vice -Chair Krebsbach asked Mr. Knaeble to locate the
barns and the sheds on the project. Mr. Knaeble stated
the shed and the barn are structures that will come
out. He stated the existing house faces on Dodd Road
and he further clarified that the red barn is on
someone elses property to the rear. Mr. Knaeble stated
the plan shows setbacks to the adjacent creeks. He
stated the 100 foot setback requirement takes up one
half of the property. Mr. Knaeble stated that the
front two lots would both exceed 30,000 square feet and
that the rear lot would be 60,000 square feet and that
this matches neighboring properties on the east side of
Dodd Road. Mr. Knaeble stated on the west side of Dodd
Road is a subdivision with mostly 15,000 square foot
lots.
Mr. Knaeble stated he met twice with City staff and on
the second occasion the setbacks to the creek were
adjusted to 80 feet to allow for homeowner /buyer
preferences for larger houses. Mr. Knaeble stated that
a 60 foot right -of -way to serve the rear of this
property with a cul -de -sac would put the existing homes
into non - conformance regarding their side yard
setbacks. Mr. Knaeble stated a public street would
require four variances whereas his proposal for two
flag lots requires only two variances. Mr. Knaeble
stated his proposal, with private drives to the rear of
the property, was more sensitive to the trees and the
creeks in the area.
Commissioner Koll announced the Planner's Report stated
that some organization for this area was needed,
instead of considering variances for each lot.
Commissioner Koll stated a plan is preferred for the
area rather than disorganized development on a case by
case basis. Commissioner Koll stated that she was
concerned about emergency services to flag lots with
long private drives. Administrative Assistant
Batchelder stated roadway plans and area plans had been
considered in the past for this square block area and
that some of these plans were dated back to the early
1960's. Batchelder stated that the City has not
adopted any of these plans.
Planning Consultant Tim Malloy gave a presentation on
an area plan for a roadway system and development of
the "super block" done by Midwest Planning in 1961.
Malloy stated at that time a roadway configuration was
proposed and showed a park dedication in the middle of
the block. Mr. Malloy stated Ridgewood Drive was
proposed to go through to Delaware and that cul -de -sacs
were shown on the north side of the proposed
subdivision before us tonight. Mr. Malloy stated, in
the area where these cul -de -sacs were shown, the
Ridders own platted lots that are in the shape of a
right -of -way, however, they are not dedicated as a
right -of -way, they are private platted lots. Mr.
Malloy stated any roadway master plan in this area is
complicated by the large amount of wetlands and the
multiple ownership of private property in this area.
Commissioner Tilsen inquired under what scenario could
this master plan happen in order to give residents an
idea of when this could occur. Planner Malloy stated
it would involve doing a master plan for the area, re-
examining existing conditions, property ownership,
topography and looking at the potentials for
development in this area. Commissioner Tilsen stated
the southeast area master plan was a different beast
than this because there was really only one major
owner. Planning Consultant Malloy stated when they
started the master plan for the southeast area there
were at least a dozen owners involved. Commissioner
Friel stated there was a difference between the
southeast area and this. He stated there was
coordination among the owners that a master plan was
needed. Planner Malloy stated announcements could be
made and public hearings could be held in order to do a
master plan process and that it would take
approximately six to nine months.
Mr. Knaeble stated his subdivision was simply a three
lot split with private drives that would not preclude
any future master planning or roadway systems in this
area. He stated he felt his subdivision would not
impact or prevent that type of system from occurring in
the future. Vice-Chair Krebsbach inquired if a master
plan had ever been formally presented in the past.
Public Works Director Jim Danielson stated that these
roadway plans were presented back in the 1960's and
1970's.
Commissioner Friel stated he had some concerns about
Outlot A and inquired what was the logic behind this
outlot. Mr. Knaeble responded they had looked at this
outlot with two options. The first option was Outlot A
could go to lot three to enlarge it or the second
option would have Outlot A being made available to the
neighbors to the south at 1770 Dodd Road. The rear of
their property is only 90 feet wide and if they wish to
develop in the future it appears they could use some
buildable area.
Commissioner Friel inquired about the two ten foot
driveways shown on the plan. Mr. Knaeble explained
that there are two ten foot property strips, however,
there would only be one single 15 foot wide driveway
and that would provide legal access for each property.
Commissioner Dreelan inquired about interest on buying
the lots as proposed. Mr. Knaeble responded that, yes,
there has been interest and that is why they approached
staff to inquire about an 80 foot wetlands permit
setback in order to allow bigger houses that
prospective buyers intend to build.
Vice-Chair Krebsbach opened the public hearing for
comments from the audience. Mr. Jim Fischer, of 1758
Dodd Road, stated he lived just north of the subject
property and explained there is a lot of water running
through that creek in the springtime. Mr. Fischer
inquired what will happen to the rate of the water flow
through his backyard with this new development. Mr.
Fischer stated he was concerned about retaining water
as it flows through the creek and can back up into his
property. Mr. Knaeble responded that the flow of the
water would be handled by a culvert.
Mr. Fischer inquired what would become of the house at
1760 Dodd Road. Mr. Knaeble responded the house will
remain as existing, however, the barns and the sheds at
the rear of the property would be removed.
Commissioner Friel inquired about the extra impervious
surface of the new homes and driveways and how that
will drain into the watersheds. Mr. Knaeble responded
this would not be a significant increase in the amount
of water going into the watersheds and he stated he
felt the watersheds could handle that additional water.
Mr. Jake Deeb, of 1780 Dodd Road, stated he lives to
the south of this property. Mr. Deeb stated he has
seen the water up to four feet from his house and that
in the springtime large amounts of water flow through
this creek. In fact, he stated he has canoed it in the
spring before. Mr. Deeb stated his house is 15 feet
higher than the proposed home levels and the creek
rises on occasion pretty high to his house. Mr. Deeb
stated he can't perceive that you could dig four feet
down anywhere in this area and not have the hole fill
up with water.
At the request of the Commission, Public Works Director
Jim Danielson explained the drainage in this area.
Danielson stated the creek on the south has water
coming all the way from West St. Paul. Mr. Danielson
stated the creek on the north is a small creek and not
near as large as the creek on the south. Danielson
stated both creeks are identified on the City's
wetlands map and any development in this area must
seriously consider elevations, drain tiles, soil
conditions and culverts to enable the first creek to be
crossed and not impede the flow. Danielson stated a
City street in this area was not feasible and a private
drive was a better way to handle access to this
property and preserve the trees and the drainage ways.
Mr. Danielson stated the size of the culvert pipe to
cross the first creek would have to be coordinated with
the City's Engineering Department. Mr. Danielson
stated he did not feel this culvert would create any
adverse impact on the neighbors.
Ms. Juarez, of 1756 Dodd Road, stated the streams are
always full in this area and they very seldom run dry.
She inquired if there was any guarantee the water won't
back up or be retained towards their house which is to
the north of the subject property. She stated when the
Dodd Road culvert project was done that water backed up
at that time and this is a pretty wet area and always
has water. Mr. Knaeble responded they won't be damming
or impeding the water flow and the culvert they would
provide to cross the first creek should provide the
same rate of flow as the current stream. Mr. Knaeble
stated, as far as the water table is concerned, they
had soil testings done with borings on the subject
property and the results showed the proposal is
feasible. Mr. Knaeble stated that the culvert will be
sized in coordination with the City Engineering
Department and their criteria for storm drainage.
Mr. Deeb stated that there currently exists restriction
on flow downstream from the subject property and
inquired if the drainage plan for this area would
increase that restriction. Mr. Knaeble responded the
development project should not increase or change in
any fashion the flow downstream from the subject
property.
Commissioner Tilsen inquired if the City had done any
drainage plan for this area. Public Works Director Jim
Danielson responded that no master plan for storm water
runoff had been done for this area. Commissioner
Tilsen stated as each parcel develops they appear
insignificant by themselves, however, when all added
together it makes a difference on the impervious
surface runoff in this area. Tilsen stated this is a
unique property because it's on the fringes of water on
both sides and it's between two drainage ways.
Commissioner Tilsen stated he felt utilities and
emergency services would be better served from a system
that provides interior access.
Planning Consultant Tim Malloy stated a previous master
plan for this area had shown a cul-de-sac from the
north, however, this would have to be done in
cooperation with other owners in the area. Planner
Malloy stated a comprehensive look at a cul-de-sac such
as this would provide a roadway and storm sewer system
for the subject property. Commissioner Tilsen inquired
if any attempts had been made to cooperate with
adjoining property owners. Mr. Knaeble stated that yes
the people to the south are in the audience tonight.
Mr. Knaeble stated the properties to the north had not
been contacted.
Ms. Gretchen Arndt, of Burnet Realty, stated she is
representing the Walker's in this real estate
transaction. She stated that the Petersons, the
property owners to the south, have been consulted. She
felt a cul-de-sac proposal was too restrictive to the
lot sizes in the area and would impact the wetlands and
trees greater than a private drive proposal. She
stated the private road design and Outlot A had been
planned to help the Petersons should they decide to
develop in the future. She also stated City water
could connect to the Petersons with this scenario.
Commissioner Duggan stated he was concerned about
having two lots so deep with only 20 feet of access.
Commissioner Duggan inquired about servicing gas,
electric, phone, and water in the future should any of
these utilities need to be dug up when there is only 20
feet of access. Mr. Knaeble responded the utilities
would not necessarily be restricted to the 20 foot
necks as proposed and there would be easements granted
for access to all the utilities. Commissioner Duggan
inquired how does any emergency service truck turn
around in this area. He stated he had some concerns
about a 500 foot long private driveway. Mr. Knaeble
responded the same situation is occurring with many of
the homes in this block. He stated he felt the privacy
amenity outweighed the public safety concerns to most
buyers.
Commissioner Tilsen inquired if the sewers were
feasible with the elevation shown on the proposed plan.
Mr. Tilsen stated the house is only two feet higher
than Dodd Road and there is a creek to be crossed.
Public Works Director Danielson responded the feeder
depends on the house elevation and that trunk lines do
exist on Dodd Road. Commissioner Tilsen stated he was
concerned about the level of the creek, the level of
Dodd Road, the level of the houses, and basement
elevations. Commissioner Tilsen inquired if they had
talked to others in the neighborhood. Mr. Knaeble
responded yes they had talked to other property owners
but there had been no interest in coordination.
Commissioner Tilsen inquired if there were others in
the audience that were in favor of a master plan for
this area.
Mr. Fred Peterson, of 1770 Dodd Road, stated it was
about time the City did something regarding decisions
on development in this area. He stated if this area is
developed, it should be done properly with the City and
not with umpteen driveways. Mr. Peterson stated he
would like to see a program developed by the City and
that now is the time to do it without giving out
special permits, variances, etc. Mr. Peterson stated
the Fire Department needs to be able to get their new,
expensive trucks back into this area.
Mr. Jim Fischer stated he is not opposed to this
proposal. He stated it is his belief that Mr. Ridder
wants to keep this area as it is, in its current
existing condition with large estate lots.
Commissioner Friel says it's all good and well to have
a comprehensive plan. He stated, however, that people
who own property in this area must be in the position
to carry it out once a comprehensive plan is decided.
Mr. Friel stated he did not see the current property
owners in this area stating a need for such a master
plan. Commissioner Friel also stated that
comprehensive plans can force development in an area
and its been his experience that large developments can
be a mess on the impact to the land compared to a small
well done development. Commissioner Friel stated he is
still troubled about Outlot A and he believes more
information should be available on the drainage issues
in this area. Commissioner Friel stated this proposal
with large lots and private drives, is preferred.
Commissioner Friel moved that the Planning Commission
continue the public hearing until the October meeting.
Commissioner Friel stated as a condition of continuing
the public hearing the applicant should submit a better
proposal for Outlot A and should submit some more
drainage information. A friendly amendment by
Commissioner Tilsen stated this site should be served
by City sewer and water. A friendly amendment by
Commissioner Duggan stated vegetation preservation and
protection plan and tree study required in the
Subdivision Ordinance should be provided and that the
23 factors in the Wetlands Permit Ordinance should be
addressed by the developer. Commissioner Duggan
seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Vice-Chair Krebsbach stated if the developer intends to
put bigger homes on the preliminary plat, it should be
shown as such. Commissioner Friel suggested the
developer should attempt to honor the 100 foot wetlands
setback and, as far as Outlot A was concerned, what he
was looking for was a more definitive proposal that
identifies the future use of that outlot. Vice-Chair
Krebsbach stated the City staff should provide an
overview of this area and suggested a City Planning
Commission tour of the site and area. It was decided
that at the end of the meeting the Planning Commission
would adjourn to a special meeting on some Saturday in
October in order to visit the site.
CASE NO. 91-36:
KING/MULFINGER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Mr. and Mrs. King were present to explain their
proposal for a conditional use permit to expand their
detached garage and to have a rear yard setback
variance.
Commissioner Dreelan inquired about the tunnel on the
plan. Mr. King responded that the tunnel is an idea
that they would not necessarily build. He stated that
the north side of the house is very icy in the winter
and hard to maintain the walk. He stated that was what
generated the idea of a tunnel.
Commissioner Koll inquired about the drainage that
comes out onto the concrete block retaining wall. She
stated it was her observation that water moves onto the
garage apron area where the proposed extension is
designed to be. Mr. King responded the landscaping is
proposed to change the drainage from Ashley onto the
yard and a gutter system on the garage will help solve
the water problem near their driveway apron.
Commissioner Friel inquired if the plan could be
adjusted to avoid the rear yard setback variance. Mr.
King responded that in order to extend the garage in
the other direction they would have to cut into the
yard with a lot of excavation. Mr. King stated the
poor visibility is due to the brush and existing
vegetation, not the location of the garage.
Commissioner Duggan stated he likes the garage design
and the European feel. Commissioner Tilsen inquired if
having a storage shed on top of the garage was
appropriate. Commissioner Tilsen stated he had a
concern that this storage shed not be occupied as
living space in the future. Mr. King stated he was
willing to have that included as a condition of his
permit. He stated the garage is planned to be unheated
but they would like the ability to heat the garage in
the future.
Commissioner Friel inquired about the height of the
structure as outlined in the Planner's Report. Planner
Malloy stated that according to his calculations a two
foot variance is needed for the roof height.
Commissioner Duggan moved that City Council approve a
conditional use permit for accessory structure and a 17
foot 3 inch rear yard setback variance and a two foot
roof height variance with the condition that the
drainage plan for the project be approved by City
staff. Commissioner Friel seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
VERBAL REVIEW
Public Works Director Jim Danielson provided a verbal
review of City Council action on last month's Planning
Commission recommendations and cases.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the Planning
Commission adjourned to a special meeting on Saturday,
October 19th at 9:00 A.M. at City Hall for the purpose
of visiting the Dodd Road subdivision site area.
Commissioner Duggan stated he would provide the donuts.
Adjournment was at 9:35 o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Batchelder
Administrative Assistant
PINE CREEK ESTATES, MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
9/24/91
INTRODUCTION:
Owner (Lloyd & Lucille Walker), 1760 Dodd. Rd.
- Developer /Engineer (Peter Knaeble & James Taylor)
- Asking for approval for a 3 lot Prelim. Plat. 2 variances. & a wetland permit
LOCATION:
NE corner of Dodd Rd.(Hwy. 149) & Marie Ave.
Ex. lots to the south (on Marie Ave.) are 1 ac.; to the north (on Dodd Rd.) are
1/2 ac.; and to the west (across Dodd Rd.) are 15,000 sf (1/3 ac)
EXISTING CONDITIONS:
- Total site = 3.0 acres (approx. 180' x 770'), heavily wooded
Existing zoning is R -1 (15,000 sf min. = 8 possible Tots)
Ex. home in the front of the property facing Dodd. Rd.
Large barn & 2 sheds in the rear (within 100' of the creek)
2 dry creeks /swales bisect property (drainage flows to the SW)
- Permit required to work within 100' of these 2 creeks ( =1.6 ac. or 54% of site)
Property along Marie if platted & property along Dodd. Rd. to the N is platted.
The adjacent property to the south is unplatted, but due to the creek setbacks, there
is only room for one building site.
PROPOSED PROJECT:
- Existing zoning would allow up to 8 lots, we are proposing only 3 large Tots
(avg. 1 unit /acre).
Large lot size: 30,800 sf; 30,700 sf; & 61,900 sf (0.7, 0.7, 1.4 ac.) vs 15,000 sf
Our 1 acre avg. matches the 1 ac. lots to the south & is greater than the 1/2 ac lots to
the north
- 3 lots meet all R -1 zoning requirements except 100' lot width for Tots 2 & 3
(but these lots have 190' & 130' widths at the building line)
2 rear Tots would share a new bituminous driveway (permanent access easements)
Existing barn & 2 sheds to be removed
Only a 20' encroachment into 100' wetland setback area (same as ex. barn & house)
20' encroachment is necessary due to the size of the large homes proposed
Site is heavily wooded, but 2 new home would be built in clearing or less dense areas
No net change to wetland area or environmental impact (ie ex. driveway & barn in
setback area already)
The neighbor to the south has indicated to us that he supports this proposal
Based on 2 meetings with City Staff, they indicated /concurred that public street
option was not feasible for the following reasons:
Trees loss; much more tree Toss w/ public street)
Additional wetland encroachment (17,000 sf vs 3000 sf; over 5x more
with public street)
Environmental impact (significantly more with public street)
Public street would require at least 4 variances, & 5x the encroachment
into the wetland area
- Public street is not economically feasible: 450' street through unbuildable
wetland
CONCLUSIONS:
We are asking for:
Preliminary Plat approval for 3 large lots (1 unit/acre)
Wetland permit (similar to ex. driveway, barn & house encroachment; and
20' encroachment is not unusual per the City Engineer)
2 variances (even though we greatly exceed the lot width at the build. line).
The City Ordinance (attached) allows variances for the following reasons:
"Special circumstances affecting the property that would derive the
applicant of reasonable use of his land" (ie: creek setbacks for over 1/2
of the property)
"Variances will not be detrimental to other property" (helps property
to the south)
"Variance is to correct inequities resulting from extreme physical
hardship such as topography, etc." (ie: trees, creek setbacks)
Reasons:
- Topography
Trees
Creeks
Restrictions (3.0 ac. to 1.4 ac.)
Economics
Environmental impact
" We concur, not with the consulting planner's report that this small plat needs additional
study, but with the City Engineer & Planner that this proposal is the best solution (and has the
least environmental impact). This proposal would keep well over 1/2 of the entire property in
the wetland preservation area ".
9.1 GENERAL
9.1 (1)
9.1 (2)
SECTION 9 VARIANCES
The Planning Commission may recommend a variance from the pro-
visions of this Ordinance when, in its opinion, undue hardship may
result from strict compliance. In recommending any variance, the
Commission shall prescribe only conditions that it deems necessary to
or desirable for the public interest. In making its recommendations,
the Planning Commission shall take into account the nature of the pro-
posed use of land and the existing use of land in the vicinity, the number
of persons. to reside or work in the, proposed subdivision and the probable
effect of the proposed subdivision upon traffic conditions in the vicinity.
A variance shall only be recommended when the Planning Commission finds:
(a) That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting
said property such that the strict application of the provisions
of this Ordinance would deprive.the applicant of the reasonable
use of his land.
(b) That the granting of the variance wilt not be detrimental to the
public welfare or injurious to other property in the territory in
which property k situated.
(c) That the variance is to correct inequities resulting from an
extreme physical hardship such as topography, etc.
After consideration of the Planning Commission recommendations, the
City Council may grant variances, subject to (a), (b) and. (c)
immediately above.
Any recommendations for variances to the City Council in connection with
the acceptance of the Final Plat of a subdivision shall be made through the
Planning Commission.
(301) 25