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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-14 CPC MIN• City of Stillwater Planning Commission November 14, 2007 Present: Mike Dahlquist, Vice chairperson, Gregg Carlsen, Taylor Luke, David Peroceschi, Charles Wolden Absent: Suzanne Brown, Dan Kalmon, Dave Middleton and Wally Milbrandt Staff present: Community Development Director Turnblad Approval of minutes: The minutes of the October 8, 2007, meeting were approved by unanimous vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. V07-48. A request for a variance for construction of a porch located at 518 S. Fourth St. in the RB, Two-Family Residential District. Colleen and Del Blocher, applicants. The applicants were present. Mr. Turnblad reviewed the staff findings and recommendations. It was noted that the required setback in this district is 20 feet from the front lot line; what is being proposed is about a 13'9" setback from the property line to the porch step. It was noted that a survey has not been done, so a "fudge" factor of about 6" was allowed for the numbers. According to the report, • staff is a bit concerned that the home is currently about 20' from the setback, as is an adjacent small office building. The home immediately to the north is setback farther than the Blockers' home and the office building, so the request could create a situation where this home will be projecting in front of the existing buildings on either side. Mr. Turnblad said staff is recommending something of a compromise, recognizing that an entrance is required. The existing landing at the front of the house is minimal, he noted, and the house would be architecturally improved by the detailing of the proposed porch. Staff recognizes there are things to be gained from the proposed porch addition but believes that getting too close to the street emphasizes the fact that this building is the closest to the street on that block. Staff is suggesting that the steps be pushed about two feet closer to the house, creating a deck/porch area about 3' wide across the entire front of the house; that would put the porch addition 2' farther from the road, Mr. Turnblad stated. Ms. Blocher explained that they had some trouble with the foundation of the house and originally they were just looking at dealing with that problem. At one time, there was a wrap-around porch on the house, she stated; a photo showing the house with wrap-around porch was shown later in the discussion. She said their intent was not to replicate that. The intent was not to have a sitting porch; it is more of an awning than a porch, she suggested. Mr. Blocher stated they were looking at updating the windows in the turret, but contractors suggested they not do that until the foundation is secured. Mr. Blocher noted that currently there is no overhang over the stoop, by extending out, it will provide a bigger barrier and gradient from the foundation. The Blochers' contractor stated the addition is • architecturally designed to fit the home. During the discussion with the applicants, the applicants' noted that the proposed stoop would extend less than City of Stillwater Planning Commission November 14, 2007 the existing stoop, and the existing turret extends out farther than the proposed porch addition. Mr. Dahlquist opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Peroceschi spoke in favor of the proposal and moved for approval as submitted by the applicants. Mr. Wolden seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Annual B&B report - Mr. Turnblad reviewed the annual report of the seven Bed & Breakfast facilities. He noted there had been no complaints on any of the B&Bs, and no reported changes from the conditions of the conditional use permits. He said the recommendation is to review the report, with no action required of the Commission. Meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 0 2