bza-minutes-apr-25-23REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the public
were able to monitor the meeting and provide comment by calling in.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm and the land acknowledgement was read by Chair Carlson.
Roll Call
Members present: Kade Arms‐Regenold, Chris Carlson, Nancy Nelson Richard Orenstein, Adam
Brookins – Planning Commissioner
Members absent:
Staff present: Myles Campbell – Planner
Approval of Agenda
MOTION made by Orenstein, seconded by Nelson to approve the agenda of April 25, 2023, as
submitted.
Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Nelson, seconded by Orenstein to approve the March 28, 2023 meeting minutes.
Motion carried.
1.Address: 2933 Quail
Applicant: Matt Harambasic
Request: Variance of 2.8 feet off the required 35 feet to a distance of 32.2 feet for a front yard
setback.
Request: Variance of 0.4 feet off the required 15 feet to a distance of 14.6 feet for a side yard
setback.
Myles Campbell, Planner, reviewed the location and noted this item was for two variances at the
same address. Staff also noted that these variances were before the Board once before but due to
construction delays, the period of time the variance was allowed in has lapsed and the applicant
must present again.
Campbell showed members the home’s location on a map in the City, as well as provided a
background and noted existing conditions. Primarily, a two‐car attached garage faces the street, but
it was built at a slight angle following the curve of Quail Ave N. The build is currently nonconforming
to the front yard setback and the garage is structurally unsound. The homeowner’s preference for
the new build is to have a slightly different footprint
April 25, 2022 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley BZA Regular Meeting
March 25, 2023 – 7 pm
2
Practical Difficulties
Rebuilding a structurally deficient attached garage is a reasonable use for a single‐family lot.
The applicant is proposing to push the new structure further from the front property line,
though it would still be a few feet within the front yard setback, improving the condition from
the street. Therefore, staff believes the variance requests propose to use the property in a
reasonable manner.
The applicant purchased a home with an existing nonconforming situation and, with the
reconstruction of the attached garage, would actually be improving the nonconformity by
locating the bulk of the new build outside of the front yard setback. The intrusion into the side
yard setback is also partly due to the angle of the home in relation to the side property line.
Staff finds the landowner is not causing the unique circumstances that require the variance.
Given the improvement to the nonconforming front yard setback, and the minor intrusion into
the side yard setback, staff believes the proposed use would not alter the essential character
of the area.
Other Considerations
Staff assesses whether the request represents the smallest feasible variance or if there are other
options available:
A smaller addition or no addition could be pursued, however 24 feet is standard for a garage
and current design avoids construction waste.
Recommendations
Staff recommends approval of the variance request for 2.8 feet off of the 35 feet required to a
distance of 32.2 feet for a front yard setback.
Staff recommends approval of the variance request for 0.4 feet off of the 15 feet required to a
distance of 14.6 feet for a side yard setback.
Chair Carlson invited the applicant to speak.
Matt Harambasic, applicant, stated the information was well presented and he added that all
adjacent neighbors are aware of the project and support it.
Chair Carlson opened the public hearing 7:09pm.
There were no in person comments.
There were no online/remote comments.
Chair Carlson closed the hearing at 7:10pm.
Orenstein noted the application is straightforward and the approved it once before so they’re
inclined to do so again. Chair Carlson stated all the requirements for a variance are met. Nelson
noted the setback difference and the shape of the road not being the fault of the homeowner.
City of Golden Valley BZA Regular Meeting
March 25, 2023 – 7 pm
3
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Orenstein to approve both requests:
2.8 feet off of the 35 feet required to a distance of 32.2 feet for a front yard setback.
0.4 feet off of the 15 feet required to a distance of 14.6 feet for a side yard setback.
Motion carried
2. Council Updates
Council Member Rosenquist noted that Thursday 4/27 is the City’s dinner to recognize Board and
Commission members. Kade Arms‐Regenold will be recognized for his service as a youth and then
voting member as he will not be pursuing another term.
Councilmember Sandburg submitted her resignation as her family is moving abroad. Applications are
being accepted for a member to fulfill the remainder of her term, May 19 is the appointment date.
Applications are available online and in person at City Hall.
3. Adjournment
MOTION made by Orenstein, seconded by Chair Carlson and the motion carried unanimously to
adjourn the meeting at 7:16 pm.
Motion carried.
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Chris Carlson, Chair
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant