Submitted by Pat Kriesel, LWV Observer
/The first action was a public hearing for a variance request by Darcie and Loren Simpson, 300 6th Street East, to construct a garage addition 8 feet to the corner property line. 15 feet is required. The house is in an R-2 zone. Staff recommends denial because the change would include additional parking in a right-of-way, a sidewalk. Jane McWilliams pointed out the second garage will be a unique circumstance not created by the owner as the house was built in 1914. The variation proposal was approved.
A second application by David Stoutland and Linda Burdell, 113 Linden Street North, was a variance request to add a garage with a covered walkway to the house, coming to 2.5 feet of the side property line. 8 feet is required. A 24 foot by 32 foot garage is proposed. Staff recommended denial.
Doug Tschann, the 117 North Linden neighbor has a garage 4 feet from the property line. He feels the proposed garage will be too close to his property at 2.5 feet.
Discussion followed. Some board members pointed out that the house was designed and built in 1995 when regulations were in place. The variance request was voted down. The Zoning board and staff concluded the owners could resubmit the request for a smaller two car garage with a greater side line setback without an additional fee.
The Planning Commission meeting that followed focused on the R-2 zoning district land use study presented by Dan Olson, Senior Planner. There was a discussion of setback requirements in older residential areas.One and two family dwelling setback requirements:
Front yard: 30 feet
Rear yard: 35 feet
Side yard: 8 feet
Side yard, corner lot: 15 feet.
Older neighborhood lots are smaller so present rules may not apply to variance applications.The proposal for Planning Services for Northfield includes:
1. Create a Map of Lot Sizes- shows parcels at minimum sizes.
2. Research and map variance locations by type- front yard, side yard, minimum lot size.A summary report of the possible need for a new zoning district of setbacks and minimum lot sizes appropriate for the older areas of the city will be made.
Next meeting; Tuesday. September 28, 2004
