03-23-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 23, 1998 ( #8 - #2292 Tom Okerstrom - Continued) 4W Okerstrom indicated he has spent alot of time in an attempt to comply with City requirements. He feels the plan will come near to meeting the City standards. . Goetten commented that the garage is not in compliance due to the large house built only two years ago. Goetten said she would not support the proposal except for the need for a garage in Minnesota. She has found it discouraging that the applicant is here asking for this variance. Okerstrom responded that the house on the property was built on the same foundation as the previous home. There had been a two car garage on the property in the past. He had not been aware of the issues. It was his assumption that the old garage had to be removed prior to the house being built. Okerstrom said the house would have been made smaller if he had known the issues involved. Bressler said Builder Inspector Bruce Vang had informed the builder that zoning issues would arise if the garage was not taken into consideration when the house was built. The builder evidently did not pass this information on to the applicant. Goetten noted that a building permit is required for building any structure. Peterson asked if the garage is comparable in size to the previous garage. Bressler was unaware of the past dimensions. He explained that the Planning Commission requested a reduction in the garage footprint to 22'x24' and a decrease in the height to a 10/12 pitch. Jabbour was informed that the overhead storage area will be less than originally planned. Okerstrom added that the pitch is in keeping with the style of the home. Jabbour commented that the garage would impose upon the area around the road and would not be in keeping with other garages along the road. Okerstrom said the garage was smaller. Jabbour voiced concern with a garage located within 8' of the road adding that the Council must protect the neighborhood. Goetten agreed that the Council's efforts are towards improving the situation. Peterson asked if the garage should be moved back further than 20' on the lot, Goetten reminded her that this would increase hardcover. Jabbour noted that the neighboring garage is within 20' of the right -of -way. Goetten said the Council also needs to consider the driveway and the ability to get out onto the roadway. Peterson noted that the applicant would not be able to drive out onto Tonkawa. She preferred that the garage was pushed back as far as possible. Peterson asked how much space was available. Bressler indicated there is currently 20' proposed between the edge of the bituminous and the front slab of the garage. Peterson asked if a one -car garage was considered. Goetten felt it would be unreasonable to scale it back to that degree. Is 6