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01-14-86 BZA Minutes � �� MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS January 14, 1986 The regular meeting of the Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals was held Tuesday, January 14, 1986, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. The following Board members were present: Mahlon Swedberg Margaret Leppik Mike Sell Art Flannagan Donald Singer (alternate) Absent by prior arrangement, Chairman Larry Smith. In accordance with established procedures the immediate past chair, Mahlon Swedberg, convened the meeting. The first order of business was approval of the minutes of a regular meeting held December 10, 1985, copies of which had previously been distributed to the Board. Margaret Leppik moved to approve the minutes as written and presented. Second by Art Flannagan and upon vote carried. 86-1-1 (Map 6) Residential 1437 Toledo Avenue North George E. Smrstik The Petition is for waiver of Section 3A.06 3 (b) side setback, for 7 feet off the required 13 feet to a distance of 6 feet from the north lot line to the proposed garage addition. The petition was in order. Consent had been obtained from adjacent properties. Mr. George Smrstik was present. No others were in attendance for this pro- posal . Mahlon Swedberg asked for any additional staff information relative to the proposed garage addition. Lloyd Becker gave a brief review of the petition. Mr. Smrstik explained he presently has a single-car attached garage that is typical of others in the area built in the 1950's. He has two automobiles and it has become increasingly more difficult to clear snow, scrape windows and find enough storage area. Mr. Smrstik described the proposed addition which would match the existing home and he noted that the width is about the minimum he can frame the structure. Board of Zoning Appeals � � � Page 2 January 14, 1986 Mahlon Swedberg noted that this request is very similar to others the Board has granted for a single to two-car attached garage. It would appear to upgrade the entire property and the width proposed is consistent with the minimums �^equired for framing for two vehicles. Margaret Leppik questioned further how the addition would look and Mr. Smrstik said the existing roof would have to be torn off and all new roof and framing to match the existing characteristics, but provide for two cars when done. When completed, it would have every appearance of always having been there. Mahlon Swedberg noted that there is 16 feet from the lot line to the adjacent home on the north side so the general appearance of open space between houses is not materially affected. The Board in general agreed that based on the position of the existing house on the lot and the topography, there was no other reasonable alternative that would provide similiar appearance, structural characteristics or be consistent with surrounding properties as would the proposed addition. Art Flannagan moved to approve the waiver as requested, second by Mike Sell and upon vote carried. 86-1-2 (Map 21) Commercial 701-737 Winnetka Avenue North Dr. Denr�i s A. Johnson The Petition is for waiver of Section 5.06 (2) c for 10 feet off the required 10 feet of landscape along the north lot line to 0 feet of landscape to allow for a black- top drive around the building down to the lower level parking area, and for 3 feet off the required 20 feet to a distance of l7 feet at its closest point from the north lot line to the building as it now exists. The petition was in order and consent obtained from all adjacent properties. Dr. Johnson was present. Also present was Ms. Sally Adams of Sally Adams Realtors. She is the owner of the adjacent property to the north. � � � Board of Zoning Appeals Page 3 January 14, 1986 - Secretary Lloyd Becker explained that this proposal involves the purchase by Dr. Johnson of an additional four feet of land from Sa11y Adams Realty to provide Dr. Johnson additional room on the north side of his building so the blacktop parking and driveway can be improved to provide better access to the rear of the building and its large parking area. This item was before the Planning Commission the previous night for the required lot division. Margaret Leppik is the Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission and she explained to the Board the commission's actions and recommendations. Dr. Johnson explained in detail why he was requesting the waiver. Sally Adams has agreed to sell him four feet but does not want to sell 14 feet which would provide the 10 feet of green area necessary for Dr. Johnson to meet the code requirements. The Board noted that the existing green area would be there after the lot division irrespective of who owned it. Margaret Leppik questioned Sally Adams about possible future expansion of her properties. Ms. Adams explained that is why she does not want to sell addi- tional property but she does agree with Dr. Johnson that if the cars can drive around to the rear, it would really help relieve the congestion and at times dangerous condition of cars trying to exit on Winnetka Avenue. This proposal would benefit both of their properties. The Board discussed in detail and reviewed Dr. Johnson's plans for the remodeling of his building. Dr. Johnson explained that he is in the Valley Square Redevelopment District, has been part of the task force and has with- held any improvements for the last five years, but he cannot wait any longer and must improve his building. In summary, the Board agreed it was a very substantial benefit to the area. The Board noted that the north side of the building has difficult topography with the slope to the rear and the proposed four feet of driveway would provide more convenient and safe access. Noting all of the above, Margaret Leppik moved to approve the waiver as requested, subject to final approval of the City Council of the lot division. Second by Art Flannagan and upon vote carried unanimously. The Board asked Lloyd Becker to briefly review current construction and proposed development in the community. There being no further business to come before the Board, it was upon motion, second, and vote to adjourn at 8:50 P.M. ! Mahlon Swedberg, Chairma ro-Tem , oyd . ecker, Secretary NO MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS ORIGINALLY SCNEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 11, 1986, DUE TO A .LACK OF AN AGENDA.