06-08-87 PC Minutes269
MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
June 8, 1987
A regular meeting of the. Planning Commission was held in the Council Chambers
of the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Va lley, Minnesota. Vice
Chairman McAleese called the .meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Those present were Commissioners Kapsner, Lewis, McAleese, and McCracken-Hunt.
Commissioners Leppik, Prazak and Russell were absent. Also present were Mark
Grimes, Director of Planning and Development, and Aida Wilkinson, City Planner.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 11. 1987
It was moved by Commissioner McCracken-Hunt, seconded by Commissioner Kapsner
and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 11, 1987 meeting.
Commissioner McAleese stated that he had a question concerning an item in the
minutes of the public hearing on the proposed rezoning of 1340 Douglas Drive
for construction of an apartment building. Mr. John Paulson, an owner of the
apartment building to the north of the subject site, stated that a 50 foot
setback from the street right-of-way was required for his building and that he
objects to the 35 foot setback proposed for the new apartment building. Vice
Chairman McAleese asked staff whether an explanation had been found for Mr.
Paulson's statement that a 50 foot setback was required for the adjacent build-
ing to the north. Director Grimes reported that he and Zoning and Inspection
Director Lloyd Becker researched the file on the building to the north. The
garage for the building is located at the 35 foot setback line indicating
awareness of the 35 foot minimum setback requirement. The reason for the 50
foot setback of the apartment building is not evident from the file. Specula-
tion is that the developer chose to place the building at a 50 foot setback
from the street right-of-way due to topographical constraints.
II. WAIVER OF THE PLATTING ORDINANCE
APPLICANT: Paul G. Deming
LOCATION: 1808 and 1812 York Avenue North
REQUEST: Waiver. of the Platting Ordinance to Allow Division
of Lot 31, Block 3, McNair Manor
Vice Chairman McAleese introduced this agenda item and requested a report from
staff. City Planner Wilkinson presented the staff recommendation and added
comments on the proposal received from Zoning and Inspection Director Lloyd
Becker. Mr. Becker reported to Planning staff that approximately one year ago
there was a proposal to move a house scheduled for removal for I-394 construction
to the lot proposed for division and combination. According to Mr. Becker the
neighbors were opposed to placement of the house as proposed on the narrow lot.
Mr. Becker expressed support of the proposal to divide the lot and combine it
with adjacent lots in order to preclude possibility of adding a house at that
location in the future.
27Q
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
June 8, 1987
Page 2
Commissioner Lewis asked why neighbors were not notified of the proposal for
division and combination of the lot. City Planner Wilkinson stated that staff
mails notices of lot division requests when surrounding owners may be adversely
affected or may have objections. In this case, staff assumed that the neighbor-
hood would not object to preserving the lot as yard area as currently utilized.
Vice Chairman McAleese asked whether it is allowable to divide and combine the
properties considering the fact that there are existing setback nonconformities.
City Planner Wilkinson stated that the proposed division and combination does
not affect the existing nonconformities.
The owner of the lot proposed for divis
the north who is purchasing half of the
at the meeting. Planning Commissioners
relocation of the shed which is located
Deming and Mr. Erickson stated that the
removed.
ion, Mr. Paul Deming, and the owner to
lot, Mr. Stephen Erickson, were present
discussed necessity for removal or
on the proposed new property line. Mr.
shed is in disrepair and will be
Mr. Erickson outlined the history of the property, which originally belonged to
the Ewald Dairy, and explained the reason for the request for division and
combination. Mr. Erickson reported on the previous attempt to place a Highway
12 removal house sideways on the lot. Now that Mr. Deming's house at 1808 York
Avenue North is for sale, Mr. Erickson asked to purchase half of the vacant lot
in order to insure that the lot is not sold as a separate home site.
Commissioner Lewis stated that she sees no other appropriate use for the lot.
It was moved by Commissioner McCraken-Hunt, seconded by Commissioner Kapsner
and carried unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve the Request
for Waiver of the Platting Ordinance submitted by Mr. Paul Deming to allow
division of a vacant lot for combination with the adjacent lots at 1808 and
1812 York Avenue North.
Vice Chairman McAleese noted that Mr. Deming is in the process of sale and closing
of the house at 1808 York Avenue North and is anxious to conclude action on the
requested division. City Planner Wilkinson informed the proponent that the
request would be scheduled for the June 16, 1987 City Council meeting.
III. REPORT ON MAY 12, 1987 BZA MEETING
Vice Chairman McAleese provided the Planning-Commission with a report on the
May 12, 1987 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
The Planning Commission decided by consensus to postpone consideration of other
agenda items until the next meeting when more Commissioners would be present.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
i