HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 10, 2001
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes-July 10,2001
Page 2
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that is 10.5 feet from the east property line. The applicant is proposing to construct a 5.5-
foot wide garage addition. This addition would result in a side yard setback of five feet.
He stated that the standard side yard setback for a three-stall garage is six feet. He
mentioned that a five-foot wide drainage and utility easement exists along the property
line, however the proposed garage addition would be located at the edge of the easement.
The Applicant Richard Gordhamer explained that when the home was built in 1985 the
builder, Sharpe Construction, left only 10.5 feet on one side but 16.5 feet on the other
making the house disproportionate to the lot. He stated that after measuring they found
that the home on the 16.5-foot side is approximately 9 feet from the lot line, but the home
on the 1O.5-foot side is over 24 feet from the lot line. He went on to explain that a
standard double garage door is 16 feet wide and a single is 9 feet wide. Without the
acceptance of a one-foot variance it will require a special order for smaller doors creating
substandard sizes and as a result increase the building costs. He also mentioned that by
adding a proportionately designed third stall to the garage, it will increase the property
value and bring the home up to the current standard of most all new construction homes
that include a third stall. With this one-foot variance, the home next to the addition will
be approximately 29 feet from it, which is three feet more than the existing distance of
the opposite side of the home.
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Commissioner Kirchoff questioned if the adjoining property owners have been notified of
the request. Mr. Gordhamer stated that he has spoken with both adjoining property
owners and they don't have any problems with the request. He stated that by having the
third stall he will be able to park his boat in the garage. He also mentioned that to do so
he would have to remove the large shrub, which stands in front of the garage.
Commissioner Greenwald questioned Mr. Gordhamer on whether or not he plans to plant
more shrubs. Mr. Gordhamer stated that he does plan to plant more shrubbery around the
garage area.
Commissioner Greenwald questioned if the fence designates where the property line is
located. Mr. Gordhamer stated that indeed that is the property line.
Acting Chair Dalien questioned staff if there has been any precedent set in the past in
regards to this request. Mr. Bednarz stated that there have been variances in the past for a
third stall on a garage, however this type of request is the minority since staff asks the
applicant to resolve the issue without a variance.
Acting Chair Dalien questioned Mr. Gordhamer ifhe stated that the third stall for the
garage would be feasible without the variance, but not desirable. Mr. Gordhamer gave
reasons to support his request for a variance, most of which is stated in his letter dated
'\ June 21, 2001.
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Regular Andover Plann~ni and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes-July 10,2001
Page 3
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Commissioner Greenwald questioned if there are any utility lines that run through the
area. Mr. Bednarz stated that there are no utility lines that run where the addition would
be added.
Commissioner Daninger questioned how wide a driveway can be at the entrance. Mr.
Bednarz stated that the width of the driveway at the curb should be no more than 30 feet.
Commissioner Daninger mentioned that the only reason he brought it up is because he
wants the applicant to know the maximum width allowed at the curb.
Commissioner Daninger questioned Mr. Gordhamer on his reason for the hardship. Mr.
Gordhamer stated that the since the house is already off center adding the five feet won't
make it look out of place but instead more proportionate.
Commissioner Hedin questioned ifthere are neighbors ofthe applicant that have three car
garages. Mr. Gordhamer stated that there are a few homes in the area with three car
garages.
Commissioner Hedin questioned when the applicant purchased the home. Mr.
Gordhamer stated that he built the home in 1985.
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Motion by Falk, seconded by Kirchoff, to recommend approval to the City Council of
Variance to Side Yard Setback for Property Located at 3924 139th Lane NW. Motion
carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Squires) vote.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be considered at the August 7, 2001 City Council
meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS.
Commissioner Greenwald questioned what changes were made to the minutes from the
June 26th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Mr. Bednarz stated the changes.
ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Hedin, seconded by Falk, to adjourn. Motion carried on 6-ayes, O-nays, 1-
absent (Squires) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Beck, Recording Secretary
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