HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/03/22 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Board of Zoning Appeals - Regular
AGENDA
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
MARCH 22, 2018
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of February 22, 2018
3. Consent Agenda
A. Resolution No. 01-18-Approving variance at 4317 Browndale Ave S.
4. Public Hearing
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Communications
8. Miscellaneous
9. Adjournment
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UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2018
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
Members Present: James Gainsley, Anthony Howard, Justin Kaufman
Members Absent: Paul Roberts, Henry Solmer
Staff Present: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2017
Commissioner Howard made a motion to approve the minutes of July 27, 2017.
The motion passed on a vote of 3-0.
3. Consent Agenda: None
4. Public Hearings
A. Variance: Variance to the side yard for an attached garage
Location: 4317 Browndale Ave. S.
Applicant: Andre LaTondresse, on behalf of Kevin Johnston
Case No.: 18-03-VAR
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report. The
applicant is requesting a 5 foot, 11 inch variance to the required 11 foot 8 inch
side yard for construction of an attached garage. If approved the house and
attached garage would be a total of 79.8 feet deep and located between 4.9 feet
and 5.8 feet from the side lot line. He said the home has an existing tuck-under
garage located on the back side of the home.
Mr. Morrison presented the survey of the property and discussed setbacks. He
presented the existing and proposed floor plan. He presented existing and
proposed elevations.
Mr. Morrison discussed the applicable zoning regulations.
Mr. Morrison discussed the variance criteria. He stated that the variance is not
required to preserve the applicant’s reasonable use and enjoyment of the property.
A two-car detached garage is a legal alternative and an attached garage currently
exists. The kitchen, mudroom and bathroom addition can be built without a
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variance. He noted the variance is not required to provide off-street parking as
existing conditions exceed two off-street parking spaces. He stated staff does not
find that the property owner has a plight requiring a variance as a two-car
detached garage can be legally constructed in the back yard. There are no unique
circumstances preventing the owner from having a detached two-car garage. He
noted attached garages are not viewed as a substantial property right. A two-car
garage is a legal and common option. Attached garages are not viewed as a
necessity, but as a convenience. And, a practical difficulty does not exist.
Mr. Morrison stated that staff recommends denial of the required 5 foot, 11 inch
variance to the required side yard as criterion are not met.
Chair Gainsley opened the public hearing.
Andre LaTondresse, applicant, discussed items which form a hardship for the
applicant and are unique to the city zoning ordinance. He said the minimum
property width for the R-1 zoning district is 75 feet. This property is 50 feet wide
and one is forced to build the house perpendicular to the street. The sideyard
setback width then becomes a hardship. He said the ordinance doesn’t anticipate
that hardship because the ordinance is referring to larger lots.
Mr. LaTondresse said the homeowners wish to vacate the current attached garage
because it is not usable as the ceiling height is 7 feet and the garage door height is
6’4”. They are attempting to achieve the attached garage the house already has by
setting it back a foot from the existing line of the house to acknowledge the
impact on the neighbor. Basically asking the approval for a basement addition.
Mr. LaTondresse discussed the code’s requirement that a detached garage needs
to have the same character as the house. In this case it would be a 12:12 gable
roof, making it virtually a 2-story structure. It would go straight out to the end of
back yard. Adjacent properties would then lose their views of Browndale Park.
He presented photographs. He said denying the variance would impact the park,
the neighbors, and the homeowner’s back yard. Granting the variance would
result in a low impact project such as they are proposing. He read a statement
from the homeowners.
Commissioner Kaufman asked if there has been any feedback from neighbors.
Kevin Johnston, applicant, said they have received quite a bit of support and no
opposition.
Mr. Morrison stated with regard to detached garages the code does address
aesthetics in two stages. He explained if a garage is less than 15 feet to the peak
residents can do what they want with roof pitch and siding, including a flat roof,
even if it is out of character with the house. He said if the house is from 15 feet to
3
a maximum of 24 feet to the peak then the roof pitch and siding is required to
match the house. There are also some window requirements.
The Chair closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaufman said Mr. Morrison and staff do a tremendous job of
enforcing zoning laws which are written with a particular purpose. He said he
takes those into mind with the Comprehensive Plan. The problem he runs into is
the issue of what the zoning laws are intended to do with one size fits all and what
makes common sense. He said it was helpful to hear about 75’ minimum width.
In looking at the low impact of the variance he stated he struggles because he’s
not sure it meets the requirements of the variance at the end of the day. But he
said he finds that the variance does have a certain common sense that is much
more logical to him than requiring the detached garage, even if the peak may be
different from the house.
Mr. Morrison commented that most lots are 50 ft. wide, or don’t meet the 75’
width, in St. Louis Park.
Commissioner Howard said he agreed with Commissioner Kaufman’s remarks.
Chair Gainsley said he didn’t understand all the architectural aspects of the
application. He said he doesn’t see a reason for a variance. The homeowners do
have reasonable use. There is nothing that appears to be counter to that or that is
a down side of that. He said he agrees with staff that a variance isn’t a good
solution for this.
Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to accept the variance for the project as
presented to the BOZA. The motion to accept the variance passed on a vote of 2-
1 (Gainsley opposed).
Mr. Morrison stated that he will bring the Resolution approving the variance to
the Board at the next meeting for approval.
The Chair directed staff to prepare the resolution approving the variance.
Mr. Morrison read the standard 10 day appeal process.
Mr. Morrison said since a resolution will be brought to the board next month we
will need a quorum to vote on it. The Board at that time may vote for or against
the resolution.
Commissioner Kaufman responded that a decision was made and there is a
quorum. He said his understanding was that a motion was passed that includes a
resolution and that it is just a matter of signing the resolution once it is prepared.
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Mr. Morrison said when the resolution comes forward for approval the board
votes on it at that time. He said he will put together findings and present those to
the board for approval of the variance. He said he will verify that process.
4. New Business
A. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Gainsley made a motion nominating Justin Kaufman as Chair and Anthony
Howard as Vice Chair. The motion passed on a vote of 3-0.
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business: None
7. Communications
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary
Board of Zoning Appeals
Meeting Date: March 22, 2018
Consent Agenda Item: 3A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Resolution No. 01-18 Approving variance at 4317 Browndale Ave S.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt Resolution approving a 5 foot 11 inch variance
to the required 11 foot 8 inch side yard for an attached garage
SUMMARY: The property is improved with a single-family home constructed in 1939. The
existing home is legally non-conforming to the required six foot side yard. City code requires a
six foot side yard, but the home has a 4.9 foot side yard. The home is also legally non-conforming
to the code that requires a greater side yard for homes with a side wall longer than 40 feet. The
side wall for the existing home is 49.8 feet long, which requires a 6.4 foot side yard.
The Applicant is requesting a 5 foot, 11 inch variance to the required 11 foot 8 inch side yard for
the construction of an attached garage. If approved the house and attached garage would be a total
of 79.8 feet deep and located between 4.9 feet and 5.8 feet from the side lot line.
Drawings of the proposal are attached. The applicant would like to construct an attached garage
on the back side of the home. The proposed garage would access the basement of the home in a
similar manner as the existing tuck-under garage. The proposed garage would not have living
space above it. Instead, it would have a flat roof with a deck constructed on top of the entire roof.
The garage will open to the north and would be accessed by the existing driveway.
The existing tuck-under garage will be converted to a recreation room. A small bathroom and
mudroom will also be added onto the backside of the house, but on the north and east side of the
existing tuck-under garage.
At the February 22, 2018 meeting the BOZA voted to approve the requested variance, and directed
staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at the March meeting. The Resolution is placed on
the consent agenda, as a discussion is not required, and the BOZA can simply approve the consent
agenda. If the BOZA desires to amend the Resolution, it can removed it from the consent agenda
and place it under “Old Business”. Under Old Business it can be discussed and amended, then
acted on.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Draft Resolution
Exhibits
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Reviewed by: Jennifer Monson, Planner
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting of March 22, 2018 (Item No. 3A) Page 2
Title: Resolution No. 01-18 Approving variance at 4317 Browndale Ave S.
BOZA RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A 5 FOOT 11 INCH VARIANCE TO THE REQUIRED
11 FOOT 8 INCH SIDE YARD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ATTACHED
GARAGE LOCATED AT 4317 BROWNDALE AVE S
BE IT RESOLVED BY the Board of Zoning Appeals of St. Louis Park, Minnesota:
FINDINGS
1. On January 22, 2018, Andre LaTondresse, on behalf of the property owner Kevin Johnston
applied for a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance (Section 36-
163(f)(7) to allow a 5 foot 9 inch side yard instead of the required 11 feet 8 inch side yard
required in the R-1 Single-Family Residence District.
2. The property is located at 4317 Browndale Ave S and described below as follows, to wit:
That part of Lot 23, lying West of the Easterly 100 feet thereof, Block 2,
”Browndale Park,” Hennepin County, Minnesota, according to the recorded plat
thereof.
3. The Board of Zoning Appeals has reviewed the application for variance Case No. 18-03-
VAR on February 22, 2018.
4. Based on the testimony, evidence presented, and files and records, the Board of Zoning
Appeals has determined that the requested variance meets the requirements of Section 36-
34(a)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance necessary to be met for the Board of Zoning Appeals to
grant variances, and makes the following findings:
a. There are factors related to the shape, size or other extraordinary conditions on the
lot. The garage is proposed to be constructed into a hill which will minimize the visual
impact from adjacent properties.
b. The variance does not have an impact on the health, safety and welfare of the
community.
c. The request is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning
ordinance. The additional setback required for long side wall is mitigated by the fact that
the wall will be constructed into the hill located between the subject property and the
neighboring property. Therefore, much of the long sidewall will be below grade.
d. The subject property is zoned R-2 Single-Family Residence. A single-family home
and an attached garage is a permitted use in this district.
e. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The attached
garage constructed into the side hill will have less of an impact on the views into the park
than a detached garage located would.
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting of March 22, 2018 (Item No. 3A) Page 3
Title: Resolution No. 01-18 Approving variance at 4317 Browndale Ave S.
5. The contents of the Board of Zoning Appeals Case File 18-03-VAR are hereby entered into
and made part of the public hearing record and the record of decision for this case.
CONCLUSION
The Board of Zoning Appeals hereby approves the requested 5 foot 11 inch variance to the required
11 foot 8 inch side yard required for the proposed addition to the home located at 4317 Browndale
Ave S subject to the following conditions:
1. The variance applies to the project as presented to the BOZA, and as shown on the attached
exhibits. Future additions to the home and garage must meet the requirements of the zoning
district at the time the additions are requested.
Adopted by the Board of Zoning Appeals: March 22, 2018
Effective date: April 2, 2018
___________________________
Justin Kaufman, Chairperson
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
ISSUE DATE1/22/18DRAWN BYJALPROJECTJOHNSTONVARIANCEPROJECT NO.17.07PROJECT ADDRESSOF 44317 Browndale Ave SSt. Louis Park, MN 55424KEVIN & KATEJOHNSTONVARIANCE APPLICATION FOR1
PROPOSED KITCHEN
/BATH ADDITION
PROPOSED GARAGE
/DECK ADDITION
SURVEYThat part of Lot 23, Block 2,
BROWNDALE PARK, Hennepin
County, Minnesota,lying Westerly of
the Easterly 100 feet thereof.
ISSUE DATE1/22/18DRAWN BYJALPROJECTJOHNSTONVARIANCEPROJECT NO.17.07PROJECT ADDRESSOF 44317 Browndale Ave SSt. Louis Park, MN 55424KEVIN & KATEJOHNSTONVARIANCE APPLICATION FOR20'-0"7'-8"23'-10"13'-0"5'-6"
EXISTING PLANTER - REBUILD WITH FRONT ENTRANCE AREA
30'-0"
WINDOW
WELL
WINDOW WELL
TRENCH DRAIN
1 main level plan
scale: 1/4" = 1'- 0"
plan north
2 lower level plan
scale: 1/4" = 1'- 0"
DOWN
UP
TRASH
RECYC.
GAS
GRILL
2 FLOOR PLANSTO DAYLIGHT
DOWN
23'-4"6'-8"
EGRESS
WINDOW
BATH
REC. ROOM
LAUNDRY
NEW WINDOWS
TO DAYLIGHT
HALLWAY
GUEST
BEDROOM
UP
UP
DOWN
MASTER
BEDROOM
HALLWAY
MSTR. BATH
KITCHEN
FOYER
UP
2R
UP
2R
NEW DECK
FL: AZEK DECKING
NEW WINDOWS REMOVE WINDOW
BRICK-IN OPENING SL. GL. DR.DINING ROOM
ENTRY
TERRACE
EXISTING PLANTER - REBUILD WITH FRONT TERRACE AREA
MUD RM.
NEW GARAGE
MECH.
LIVING ROOM
NEW CLOSET - OUTFITTING T.B.D.EXISTING BEAM
STORAGE
SUMMARY OF WORK - MAIN LEVEL
LIVING ROOM
ARCHWAY TO FOYER
OTHER?
DINING ROOM
MODIFY WALL TO KITCHEN
OTHER?
KITCHEN
REMOVE DIVIDING WALL
EXPANSION TO EAST
NEW WOOD FLOOR
ALL NEW FINISHES
ALL NEW CABINETS
ALL NEW APPLIANCES
HALLWAY
DOORS TO BATH & BEDROOM
REPAIRS TO FINISHES & FLOORS
MASTER BATH
RECONFIGURE TO SHARED SPACE
NEW TILE FLOOR
NEW TILE SHOWER
ALL NEW FINISHES
NEW VANITY CABINET
ALL NEW FIXTURES
MASTER BEDROOM
RECONFIGURED ENTRANCE
RECONFIGURED CLOSET
NEW CARPET FLOOR
ALL NEW FINISHES
NEW WINDOWS & SL. GL. DR.
LIGHTING - TBD
HVAC - MODIFY AS REQ.
SUMMARY OF WORK - LOWER LEVEL
GUEST BEDROOM
ADD CLOSET
ADD EGRESS WINDOW
WINDOW WELL - DRAINAGE?
OTHER?
HALLWAY
OPEN UP TO REC. ROOM
DOORS TO LAUNDRY & UNDERSTAIR
REPAIRS TO FINISHES & FLOORS
FAMILY ROOM
COLUMN RECONFIG?
CEILING HGTS/DUCTS RECONFIG?
NEW FLOOR SLAB
INSULATE EXTERIOR WALLS
EXPAND OPENING TO HALLWAY
REPAIR WALL - SE CORNER
NEW WINDOWS
BATHROOM
NEW SPACE BELOW KITCHEN
NEW TILE FLOOR
NEW TILE SHOWER
ALL NEW FINISHES
NEW VANITY CABINET
ALL NEW FIXTURES
MUDROOM
NEW SPACE UNDER DECK
ALL NEW FINISHES
NEW LOCKERS/CUBBIES
GARAGE
NEW SPACE UNDER DECK
NOTE 6'-6" HIGH O.H. DOORS
LEVEL OF FINISHES?
FLOOR FINISH?
LIGHTING - TBD
HVAC - MODIFY AS REQ.
SEE SHT. 2 FOR SUMMARY OF EXTERIOR WORK
RECOMMENDED STEP AND
TERRACE MODIFICATIONS
(FUTURE)
PROPOSED BASEMENT ADDITION 1'-0"20'-0"EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 1'-0"NEW WALL CONST.
EXIST. WALL CONST.
EXIST. WALL TO REMOVE
LEGEND
NEW WALL CONST.
EXIST. WALL CONST.
EXIST. WALL TO REMOVE
LEGEND
PROPOSED BASEMENT
& DECK ADDITION
EXISTING CONSTRUCTION NEW WINDOW23'-4"6'-8"
30'-0"
0 5 10 15 20
ISSUE DATE1/22/18DRAWN BYJALPROJECTJOHNSTONVARIANCEPROJECT NO.17.07PROJECT ADDRESSOF 44317 Browndale Ave SSt. Louis Park, MN 55424KEVIN & KATEJOHNSTONVARIANCE APPLICATION FOR6'-6"1 north elevation
scale: 1/4" = 1'- 0"
3 east elevation
scale: 1/4" = 1'- 0"
3EXTERIOR ELEVATIONSSTUCCO
STUCCO
ALUM. CLAD
WOOD WDWS.
STUCCO
ALUM. CLAD
WOOD WDWS.
LAMINATED ASPHALT SHINGLES
STUCCO
STUCCO
2 south elevation
scale: 1/4" = 1'- 0"
LAMINATED ASPHALT
SHINGLES
ALUM. CLAD
WOOD WDWS.
STUCCO
BRICK-IN
EXISTING
OPENING
STUCCO
PROPOSED ADDITION
PROPOSED ADDITION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
EXIST. CONSTRUCTION BEYOND
NEW EGRESS WDW.
AND WINDOW WELL
EXIST. GLASS BLK. WDW.
AND WINDOW WELL
WINDOW
REPLACEMENTWINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
ALUM. CLAD
WOOD WDW.
ALUM. CLAD
SL. GL. DR.
DORMER WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
EXIST.
WINDOW
EXIST.
WINDOW
EXIST.
ENTRY
DOOR
NEW
COPPER
CAP
NEW
COPPER
CAP
REFACE
EXIST.
BAY
REFACE
EXIST.
BAY
REFACE
EXIST.
BAY
REFACE
EXIST.
BAY
SEE PLAN FOR PLANTER REDESIGN
NEW ALUM. CLAD
WOOD WDWS.
AND WINDOW WELL
EXIST. CONSTRUCTION
EXIST. FNDN.
REPAIR
EXISTING ROOF - PROVIDE COST
OF REROOFING WITH LAMINATED
ASPHALT SHINGLES
EXISTING ROOF - PROVIDE COST
OF REROOFING WITH LAMINATED
ASPHALT SHINGLES
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
WINDOW
REPLACEMENT
PROPOSED ADDITION EXIST. CONSTRUCTION
EXISTING ROOF - PROVIDE COST
OF REROOFING WITH LAMINATED
ASPHALT SHINGLES
LAMINATED ASPHALT
SHINGLES
NEW CONSTR.
EXIST. BEYOND
REPAIR & REPOINT
EXISTING BRICK
INSTALL REPELLANT
REPAIR & REPOINT
EXISTING BRICK
INSTALL REPELLANT
REPAIR & REPOINT
EXISTING BRICK
INSTALL REPELLANT
SUMMARY OF EXTERIOR WORK
DECK
NEW DECK, STAIR, RAILINGS
AZEk DECK & RAILING
BRICK
LIMITED REPOINTING/REPAIR
APPLY REPELLANT
PROVIDE SUPPORT OVER KITCHEN
EXTERIOR SIDING.
STUCCO
COULD BE LAP SIDING ON MAIN LEVEL
ROOFING
NEW ROOF @ KITCHEN/MBR.
REPLACE EXISTING - WHEN?
WINDOWS
NEW MARVIN CLAD WINDOWS
REPLACE EXSITING???
NEW WINDOWS TO BE SDL W/ BRICK-MOLD
FRONT STEPS/RETAINING WALLS/PLANTER
EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT
CONSIDER LIMESTONE STEPS & WALL STONE
SEE SHEET 1
.
APPROX. MAIN FLOOR LEVEL OF HOME
TO THE SOUTH
APPROX. MAIN FLOOR SEATED EYE-LEVEL
IN HOME TO THE SOUTH
APPROX. MAIN FLOOR STANDING EYE-
LEVEL IN HOME TO THE SOUTH
APPROX. GRADE AT PROPERTY LINE
PER SURVEY
SWALE BETWEEN WALL
AND PROPERTY LINE
0 5 10 15 20