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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-12 CPC MINCity of Stillwater Planning Commission October 12, 2009 Present: Dave Middleton, Chairman, Suzanne Block, Mike Dahlquist, Robert Gag, Dan Kalmon, Mike Kocon, John Malsam, Scott Spisak and Charles Wolden Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Chair Middleton called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Kocon, seconded by Mr. Gag, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 12, 2009. Mr. Dahlquist questioned whether completion of the porch simultaneous with the accessory dwelling unit was a condition of approval for Case No. 09-37 or "encouraged" as indicated in the minutes. Mr. Gag, who made the motion of approval, said it was his intent that completion of the porch be a condition of approval. Mr. Pogge stated the motion as indicated in the minutes was correct. Motion to approve the Sept. 12, 2009, minutes passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM No comments were received during the Open Forum portion of the meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 09-38 Mr. Middleton announced that this case had been withdrawn. Case No. 09-39 A variance request for an addition on a nonconforming lot at 437 Broadway St. S. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. David and Kathleen Newman, applicant. Mr. Newman was present. Mr. Pogge reviewed the request and the three criteria for the issuance of a variance. It was noted this lot was platted in the 1800s and, at some point in time, the Minnesota Department of Transportation acquired a portion of the lot for State Highway 36/95, thus making it a nonconforming lot due to no fault of the property owner. Plans for the addition meet all other setbacks and code requirements. Mr. Pogge stated the Heritage Preservation Commission had reviewed and approved the companion demolition permit request. Mr. Newman showed some photos of the portion of the house that will be removed and plans for the new addition, which will be above the existing kitchen. Mr. Newman noted currently there is no garage on the property. The proposed new side-loaded, one-stall garage, he said, will occupy the equivalent footprint of the porch/lean-to that will be demolished. Mr. Newman stated the plans actually improve neighbors' sight lines, and neighbors are in support of the plans. Mr. Middleton opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Gag moved approval as conditioned. Ms. Block seconded the motion, congratulating the applicant for his efforts at restoration of an historic home. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. 09-41 A variance request for an addition on a residence at 422 Elm St W. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Brian Larson, Larson Brenner Architects, representing Terence Acers, applicant. The applicant was present. Mr. Pogge reviewed the requested variances to accommodate a porch and step as part of a planned addition/renovation to the Acers' home. Mr. Pogge reviewed the three criteria for the issuance of a variance and said approval is recommended by staff. Mr. Kocon asked about impervious coverage; Mr. Pogge stated plans are right at the maximum allowable for building coverage. Mr. Acers stated they have tried hard to plan an addition that maintains the architecture and style of the original house. City of Stillwater Planning Commission October 12, 2009 Mr. Middleton opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Middleton said he is sensitive to side yard setbacks due to possible issues with visual obstruction, but said he saw no such issues with these plans. Mr. Kocon, seconded by Mr. Kalmon, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. 09-42 A variance request for an addition on a nonconforming lot at 1306 Fifth St. S. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Oliver Vrambout, applicant. The applicant was present. Mr. Pogge reviewed the staff findings, noting that because this is a nonconforming structure, a variance is required in order to construct the desired second floor addition. Mr. Pogge noted that the footprint of the house will not change; he stated the request meets the three requirements for the issuance of a variance and approval is recommended. Mr. Kocon asked whether plans include another bathroom. Mr. Vrambout said his family needs additional living space and he is not sure whether there is room enough for another bathroom. Mr. Middleton opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Kalmon, seconded by Mr. Dahlquist, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business to come before the Commission. Ms. Block, seconded by Mr. Wolden, moved to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 2