HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-3851 ExD Draft PC Minutes
Council Exhibit D
3. #16-3851 PETER BLUTH, 2413 CARMAN STREET, VARIANCES, 7:18 P.M. – 7:25 P.M.
Peter Bluth, Applicant, was present.
Curtis stated the applicant is requesting side and rear setback variances in order to add a second story to
the existing non-conforming garage to allow for storage and living space. The garage exceeds 1,000
square feet and is therefore defined as an oversized accessory structure requiring additional setbacks.
The applicant also proposes to construct an addition to the home over an existing grade-level deck where
a screen porch currently exists which would result in a separation of approximately nine feet from the
garage where a 10-foot separation setback is required.
The property is a corner lot and by definition Shoreline Drive is defined as the front. The south lot line is
the rear, which requires a 30-foot setback from the existing garage. The side setback variance is
requested to allow expansion of the second story over the garage 28.4 feet from the side lot line where a
30-foot setback is required. In addition, a variance is requested to allow expansion 11.9 feet from the rear
lot line where a 30-foot setback is required.
The 10-foot code required separation between buildings is for the purpose of reducing massing and bulk
on properties. The existing screen porch structure is ten feet from the nearest garage corner. However,
the applicants are proposing to construct the addition in line with the west line of the home, which would
result in a 9-foot setback.
Staff finds that the nonconforming location of the garage constitutes a practical difficulty with respect to
making any improvements or changing the footprint. The proximity of the house to the garage further
limits options. The encroachment of a corner of the garage by one foot into the separation distance is
minimal and does not appear to be impactful as a full wall encroachment from a crowing standpoint.
Planning Staff recommends approval of the variances as requested. Staff would recommend the applicant
be requested to enter into the standard Oversized Accessory Structure covenant.
The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff.
Peter Bluth, Applicant, stated he can answer any questions the Planning Commission may have.
Thiesse asked if the applicant understands that the oversized accessory structure cannot have a bathroom
and that he will be asked to sign an agreement to that effect.
Bluth indicated that is correct.
Schoenzeit asked if the current garage has footings.
Bluth indicated it is slab on grade.
Thiesse stated he cannot attach it to the house but he can go up. Thiesse asked if the screened-in porch is
on posts.
Bluth indicated it is and that it is a deck with a screened-in sunroom.
Thiesse asked how the front line is defined.
Curtis indicated it would be the narrower of the two street frontages.
Thiesse noted there is no way he would ever be able to construct a driveway in that area. Thiesse asked if
anything would change if it was defined otherwise.
Curtis stated with respect to the requests he is making today, he would still need to meet the 30-foot
setbacks.
Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
There were no public comments regarding this application.
Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
Thiesse noted for discussion purposes that the porch is a clean slate and that it should be in conformance
if at all possible. Thiesse asked if the one foot relates to the fire code.
Curtis indicated it relates to the massing and that they do meet the fire code required separation.
Schwingler stated in his view it is a great addition.
Leskinen moved, Schoenzeit seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 16-3851, Peter
Bluth, 2413 Carman Street, granting of side and rear setback variances and a structure-to-
structure setback variance, subject to Staff recommendations. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.