HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Adjustments and Appeals - 07/11/1985 APPROVED MINUTES
BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADJUSTMENTS
THURSDAY, JULY 11 , 1985 7:30 PM, ADMINISTRATION
BLDG. , ROOM 5
8100 SCHOOL ROAD
BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBERS: Chairman Ron Krueger, Richard Lynch,
Roger Sandvick, James Dickey and
Hanley Anderson
BOARD STAFF: Assistant Planner, Steve Durham and
Recording Secretary, Lynda Diede
ROLL CALL: Anderson and Dickey were absent.
I. MINUTES
A. Minutes of June 13, 1985.
MOTION:
Lynch moved, seconded by Krueger, to approve the minutes of June 13,
1985, with the following amendments:
P. 2, para. 1 , line 2, change to read,"Rodberg said that he only had
. one bid for the block work which was from Hans Hagen." P. 2, para.14,
change to read,"Lynch was concerned about the three season porch being
accomplished as a do-it-yourself project. " P. 2, para. 3, line 2,
change to read, Rodberg said that he plans to put decorative panels
on the existing garage door. " P. 7, para. 9, line 2, change "reviewed
the Code" to "brought up to Code." P. 8, para. , change "$100,000"
��
to $10,000. �� P. 9, para. 1 , change control to conformance.
Motion carried --2-0-1 . (Sandvick abstained. )
II. VARIANCES
A. Request #85-21 , submitted by Hampton Inn for property located west
of Hwy. #169, south of Valley View Road, east of Hwy. #5. The re-
quest is for a variance from City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .03,
Subdivision 2 B, to permit the construction of a 125 room hotel
with a floor area ratio of .47. Code permits .a maximum F.A.R. of
.40.
George Watson, representing Hampton Inn, stated that they would
like a continuation of the request until the next scheduled
meeting. (The City Council denied first reading of Hampton Inn
at its July 2, 1985 meeting.)
MOTION: Lynch made a motion to continue Variance Request
#85-21 to the next scheduled meeting August 8, 1985. Sand-
vick seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 2 - July 11 , 1985
B. Request #85-22, submitted by Ivan S. Kerr for property located at
• 10961 Mount Curve Road The request is for a variance from City
Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .03, Subdivision 2 B, to permit the
construction of a deck 7 feet from the side lot line. Code requires
15 feet.
I
Bob Robertson, representing Ivan S. Kerr, reviewed the proposal with
the Board. He plans to construct a deck within 7 feet of a side yard
setback. The deck will be constructed within the confines of an
existing tie wall .
Lynch inquired if the request was for convenience. Robertson said
yes. There is a water trap there now.
Sandvick asked if there was discussion with the neighbors. Robertson
said that there were no neighbors yet. It is new construction. The
closest house is four houses down the street.
Sandvick asked if there were comments from the audience. There were
none.
Nine Public Hearing Notices were sent out. No inquires were received
by City Hall .
MOTION: Lynch made a motion to approve Variance Request #85-22,
submitted by Ivan S. Kerr with the following findings:
1) It seems logical to extend the deck to the tie wall .
•
2) There is no hardship, howewer there is nothing that is
unbeneficial to the health and welfare of the citizens
of Eden Prairie.
Sandvick seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Request #85-23, submitted by William & Barbara Smisek for property
located at 9991 Dell Road The request is for a variance from City_
Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .03, Subdivision 2 B, to permit platting
of a 4.26 parcel zoned rural . Code requires 10 acre minimum.
William Smisek, 9991 Dell Road, spoke to the request.
Durham noted that at one time Smisek owned two parcels of property.
One parcel was 1 .15 acres, the other 19.00 acres. In 1977, the 19.00
acres were sold. In 1982, Smisek bought back 3.11 acres, making the
lots 4.26 acres and 15.89 acres . This was not recorded with Hennepin
County or the City. The minimum acreage for a parcel zoned rural was
increased to 10 acres in 1982.
Krueger asked what would be done with the 4.26 acres. Smisek said that
was where his home was located. The rest of the acreage was sold in 1977.
Krueger inquired who paid the taxes. Smisek replied that he did.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 3 July 11 , 1985
Durham noted that the City Staff reviewed both properties. The
• 1 .15 acre property has a 30 foot access to Dell Road. The 15 acre
property has no access; it is landlocked. The City would like to
see an easement for a public access plus a plat and dedication of
a public street right-of-way and scenic easement along Riley Creek.
If approved by Board of Appeals , the request must go to the
Planning Commission ar.d the City Council .
Krueger asked if there were any comments from the audience.
George Marshall , 9905 Dell Road, has property to the west of Smisek.
He inquired if Smisek had an easement to Mr. Anderson's 19 acres .
Smisek said yes. This was also not recorded.
Marshall said that he was not interested in how much land Smisek
keeps. He was interested in the right-of-way or easement for the
property that Smisek sold across the creek. Marshall does not
want to have to furnish easements. His concern was for the ease-
ment to the north.
MOTION: Lynch made a motion to approve Variance Request #85-23,
submitted by William Smisek with the following findings:
1 ) Both the 4.26 acre site and the 15.89 acre site be subject
to approval by the Planning Commission and City Council .
2) Both the 4.26 acre site and 15.89 acre site be recorded
plats within one year from approval of variance.
3) Both the 4.26 acre site and 15.89 acre site be subject to
a scenic easement along Riley Creek.
4) Both the 4.26 acre site and 15.89 acre site be subject to
a 30' road right-of-way easement along the southern border
of the lots.
Sandvick seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Request #85-24, submitted by Midwest Asphalt Corporation for property
located at 6401 Industrial Drive. The request is for a variance from
City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .03, Subdivision 2 B:
1 ) To permit platting of Lot L at 2.3 acres (Code requires 5
acre minimum) .
2) To permit a minimum lot depth for Lot L of 169 feet (Code
requires 300 feet) .
3) To permit a minimum lot depth for Lot E of 260 feet (Code
requires 300 feet) .
4) To permit truck scale in front yard setback (Code requires
75 feet) .
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 4 - July 11 , 1985
Dick Bury, President of Midwest Asphalt, reviewed the request
with the Board. They would like to construct a new office and
shop facility for their company. They have a purchase agreement
with F & L Enterprises to buy the 108 feet adjacent to their north
property line.
Krueger inquired if they owned the land next door. Bury replied yes.
Krueger suggested that they incorporate the 108 feet into one big lot
and move the lot line. Bury said that was part of their original plan.
Sandvick asked if Bury had any blueprints. Bury said no, first they
wanted to see if the Board would approve the request. There are
$2,000 of fees tied up in the surveys . Bury said that he did
not want to spend more money if the request was going to be denied.
Sandvick said that the Board would like to see some more detail such
as: lot lines , parking stalls and landscaping.
Bury stated that it is a shop building and there is no room for land-
scaping. Bury intends to blacktop the entire area.
Sandvick asked how many employees were in the building. Bury said that
there are 5 people in the office. They have 20 parking stalls across
the street. There is not a lot of room for landscaping and parking.
• Durham stated that the City would like to see this area brought up to
City Code standards. Separate from the variance request, all other
portions of City Code relating to landscaping, building materials,
and parking requirements, would be applicable. Any new construction
or redevelopment is subject to present City Code.
Bury said that if the plant was ever moved, everything would go but
the proposed building.
Sandvick read from the Staff report for the July 11 , 1985 meeting:
"Staff would recommend continuance of Variance Request #85-24
to allow the proponent time to prepare in greater detail a site
plan which would warrent the variance requested. The proponent
should be directed to: 1 . Submit detailed building plans,
2. Indicate location of parking areas and amount of parking
stalls required, 3. Provide a landscape and screening plan.
4. Provide an alternative location for truck scale located
outside of 75' front yard setback. "
Sandvick noted that the area needs to be cleaned up and brought up
to City Code.
Bury said that without some encouragement from the Board he is not
going to hire an architect.
Lynch said that the request looks reasonable to him, but that it
lacks detail .
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 5 - July _11 , 1985
Bury stated that the truck scale has to be in front of the building.
• Krueger asked if the building could be shifted back. Bury said that
they got a 50 foot setback from the back. They are trying to min-
imize the variance request.
Durham said that the rear setback is 25 feet.
Bury stated that they would rather make a longer building then.
Lynch noted that the scale is not a building. It is not a big deal .
It is just a platform.
Lynch felt that the property is fundamentally unique.
Sandvick suggested that they slide the building back 25 feet, allowing
the truck scale to be out of the front yard setback. Bury said that
they could add 25 feet of building to the back.
Lynch said that Bury's plan is fundamentally sound, but that it needs
detail .
Sandvick suggested that Bury get ideas from Staff and bring them back
to the Board.
Sandvick asked if Bury wanted to continue the variance. Bury said
that he would leave it up to the Board. Sandvick said that they
could continue the variance or deny it. Bury said that if the Board
wanted to continue the variance they could, however, he did not want
to spend a large amount of money going to an architect to get plans
drawn up.
Sandvick said that they weren't asking for that. They were asking
for some preliminary drawings showing detail .
Durham noted that they needed details such as: landscaping and amount
of office space vs. shop space. Bury said all right.
Lynch felt that it was unreasonable for Bury to come in and put a
box on a piece of paper and expect the Board to approve the variance.
The placement must depict areas such as: loading docks, ramps,
accesses, etc. It leaves too much to the imagination. Bury said
that he understood; it was a misunderstanding on his part. He
apologized.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Sandvick made a motion to deny Variance Request #85-24,
with the following findings:
1 ) The proponent has not showed a strong case to detail to the
patterns of his drawing.
2) Proponent had a chance to continue the variance request to
the next regularly scheduled Board of Appeals meeting and
did not accept it.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 6 - July 11 , 1985
3) The variance is not in keeping with the spirit and intent
of the City Code,
4) No undue hardship has been demonstrated.
Lynch seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
E. Request #85-25, submitted by William Kelly for property located at
17301 Padons Drive. The request is for a variance from City Code,
Chapter 11 , Section 11 .50, Subdivision 6 BC to permit construction
of a garage 25 feet from Ordinary High Water Mark Code requires
100 feet) .
William Kelly, 17301 Padons Drive, spoke to the request. He would
like to build a 22 car garage at the end of the driveway. It is a
logical location for the garage. It will not cause undue hardship
to the neighbors. The Code requires 100 feet of clearance from
Duck Lake.
Krueger inquired what other choices there were. Kelly said that as
far as the survey is concerned, there is not much choice. Placement
of a garage anywhere on his lot would require a variance.
Durham noted that the house was constructed in 1963, prior to the
Shoreland Ordinance which was adopted in 1982. The house is 60
feet from the Normal Ordinary High Water Mark at the elevation
• of 918 feet.
Kelly said that it is logical to build the garage at the end of
the driveway. If put in another location, it could block the view
of the lake for neighbors.
Lynch noted that the Watershed District and the Department of
Natural Resources do not look favorably on the location. Duck Lake
Trail historically has water problems.
Kelly stated that he has never had water problems in the basement.
Krueger inquired if the problem was the elevation on the location.
Durham said that the Ordinary High Water Mark and the Flood Plain
are both 915 feet. The Watershed District requires that any
structure be built 2 feet above the flood plain.
Krueger asked how many feet he would have to put the garage up.
Durham said that it would have to be 917 feet.
Krueger suggested that Kelly put the garage on the end of the house.
Kelly said that was an idea, but it would be easier to build a de-
tached garage.
Durham said that the DNR would not recommend the garage location 25
feet from the Ordinary High Water Mark.
Kelly noted that he must resurvey his land. Kelly felt that he
owned more land to the west.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 7 - July 11 , 1985
Sandvick stated that he would like to see more details and hear
other alternatives.
Sandvick inquired if there were any neighbors present.
Willard Kelchner, 17308 Padons Drive, stated that the location
picked for the garage is the best location. It does not deny any
neighbors less view of the body of water. If the garage is placed
behind the house their view is blocked. Kelchner had, no problem
with the proposal .
Sandvick asked how many neighbors would be denied a view and what
percentage. Kelly said perhaps one neighbor would be denied 100%
and it would be from the back windows.
Lynch said if the garage is attached to the home it would not
block any view. Kelly agreed.
Lynch said that the Board is not concerned with economics; its
concern is to try to live within the ordinance.
Lynch stated that he had a problem with the fact that the DNR re-
commended an alternative location. He felt that the variance request
should be continued and alternatives brought in.
Kelly wondered what the Board needed for details. Sandvick said that
the Board needs whatever it takes to satisfy the DNR.
Kelly stated that he would like to request a continuance.
Kelly asked how much property the City owns from the street line.
Durham said that it is usually a 60 foot right-of-way, so it would
be approximately from curb to property line.
MOTION: Lynch made a motion to continue Variance Request
#85-25 submitted by William Kelly, to the next scheduled
meeting August 8, 1985. This will allow time for Mr. Kelly
to prepare alternative plans and talk with neighbors.
Sandvick seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 8 - July 11 , 1985
•
F. Request #85-26, submitted by Welcome Home for property located at
7170 Bryant Lake Drive. The request is for a variance from pro-.
visions of City Code, Chapter 11 , including Sections 11 .03, 11 .45,
and 11 .50:
1 ) To permit conversion of a screened porch, 18 feet from the
rear lot line, into an office/conference room.
2) To permit a deck addition to the northwest corner of the
main structure 15.7 feet from the rear lot line.
3) To permit construction of enclosed stairway, to be added
to the west side of the main structure, 34 feet from rear
lot line.
4) To permit an addition of a garage and 1-3 above within 150
feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark of General Development
Waters.
5) To determine whether proposed changes in the building,
constituting a non-conforming use, located on the property,
may be made.
Steve Schele, Program Director/Administrator of Welcome Home, -re-
viewed the request with the Board. Blueprints of the house were
displayed. Schele identified the requested variances:
1 ) To permit conversion of a screened porch 18 feet from the
rear lot line, into an office/conference room.
The screened porch is on the south side of the building.
It would be used as an office/meeting room. This would
enhance the overall effectiveness of delivery of service
by providing private meeting space to both supery sory
and client issues. It will not change the external appear-
ance of the building.
2) To permit a deck addition to the northwest corner of the
main structure 15.7 feet from the rear lot line.
t
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 9 - July 11 , 1985
Welcome Home is requesting to keep the deck which is al-
ready in place on the northwest corner. It will offer
clients a comfortable, secure, stress-free environment.
3) To permit construction of an enclosed stairway, to be added
to the west side of the main structure, 34 feet from rear
lot line.
Welcome Home is required (UBC Table 33 A) to add a stairway,
since the occupancy will exceed 10. It will have a minimal
impact on the appearance of the building. Without the
stairway, they cannot use the facility as effectively for
the proposed program.
Lynch inquired about the stairway requirements. Schele saidthat
the Uniform Building Code requires that they have two stairways a
specific distance apart. Even though there are two stairways
there now, they are not the required distance apart.
Schele referred to provisions in the City Code in regard to the
variances. Nothing that Welcome Home wants to do is contrary to
anything in these sections. They are all within the harmonyjand
intent of the Code.
Schele read from City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .45, Subd. 4, Flood
Plain Uses, B, 2. It states in part:
"Consideration of the effects of a proposed obstructionlor use
shall be based on the reasonable assumption that there Will be
an equal degree of encroachment extending for an entire reach
on both sides of the stream. "
Schele felt that the assumption is, as water rises, it is going to
extend beyond the banks of the stream. The site that the building
sits on is on much higher ground. It is not in danger of flooding.
Schele referred to City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .45, Subd. 7,
Variance Standards, A. It states in part:
"Variances from the strict language of this Section may be
granted by the Council only when 1 ) such variance is determined
to be in the public interest."
Schele noted that the program will serve primarily western Henn-
epin County residents and without the stairway, they cannot use
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 10 July 11 , 1985
the program described as effectively.
or 2)" where strict enforcement would cause undue hardship
because of circumstances unique to the individual property
under consideration. However, no variance shall have the
effect of permitting a lower degree of flood protection than
the regulatory flood protection elevation for the land under
consideration. The Council shall grant variances only pursuant
to the provisions of this Section. "
Schele read from City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .45, Subd. 8, Factors
and Conditions Upon Which Decisions May be Based. It reads in part:
A. " Factors. In passing upon a permit or variance application,
the Council shall consider all revelent factors sp cified
in this Section, and also consider the followinq factors:
5. The importance of the services provided by the proposed
facility to the community.
7. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing devel-
opment and development reasonably anticipated in the future.
11 . The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and
sediment transport of the flood waters expected at the site. "
Schel:e stated that the service is badly needed. Also, each of the
modifications proposed is highly compatible with the structure as
it now exists in terms of both use and appearance.
Schele referred to City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .45, Subo. 16,
Interpretation. It states in part:
"In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Section
they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the pro-
motion of the public health, safety, prosperity and general
welfare. "
Schele felt that the City can grant the variances requested and meet
these requirements.
Schele read from City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .50, Shoreland
Management, Subd. 3, Regulation of Structures Within the Lake. It
reads in part:
L. 11 Factors Considered Prior to Granting Permit. In exercising
its discretion to grant or deny permits , the Council may
consider, among other things, the following:
4. Whether the proposed facility will be compatible with
adjacent development. "
• Schele felt that the facility is highly compatible.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments -11 - July 11 , 1985
Schele referred to City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .50, Shoreland
• Management, Subd. 7, Additional Zoning Restrictions. In addition
to the requirements set out in Subd. 6 above, the following restrict-
ions shall apply to all shoreland areas and protected waters. It
reads in part:
E. ''Exceptions to Zoning Restrictions of this Section.
3. "Where development exists on both sides of a proposed
building site within the same lot as the proposed
building site, structural setbacks may be altered to
take setbacks of existing structures into account if
approved by the Building Inspector."
Schele said that the garage and the house itself are the existing
structure. The stairway would not be significantly close to the
stream.
Schele noted that Variance Request #4 had been eliminated from
the request.
Schele said that Variance Request #5 deals with future expansion
of the building. There are 3 points on which expansion could be
debated:
1 ) The City Council on January 22, 1985, decided that the use
had been established as multi-residential . The Attorney
General 's opinion substantiates that vote.
2) The Attorney General cited an example which suggested that
a change in non-conforming use which is not material under
applicable ordinances would not constitute an expansion of
a non-conforming use.
3) The Court of Appeals rejected an argument that additional
residents on "major physical changes" in a building on a
non-conforming site would constitute an expansion of a non-
conforming use. (Northwest Residence, Inc. v. City of
Brooklyn Center. )
John Koneck, lawyer from the firm of Fredrikson and Bryon, represented
several residents of the Willow Creek neighborhood. Koneck, opposes
the variance and questioned why Welcome Home was present as they have
no interest in the property. Koneck said that there is no ;purchase
agreement. Koneck reviewed background information. Don Hanson,
owner of the property, entered into a purchase agreement and sold
the property to Francis Condon. Condon intended to lease the pro-
perty to Welcome .Home. That purchase agreement is no longer in force
because certain contingencies in it were not satisfied. Condon has no
interest in the property. Koneck felt Welcome Home has no ',interest in
the property and they are here prematurely. The matter should either
be continued or denied.
Schele stated that Welcome Home has demonstrated interest in the
property for one year.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 12 - July 11 , 1985
James Just, Executive Director of Welcome Home, said that Koneck is
using a smoke screen attempt, which has been demonstrated time and
time again. There is some question as to legality of the continuing
purchase agreement. Legal counsel informs Welcome Home that they do
indeed have interest to the property. Welcome Home is present here
tonight with a valid application.
Koneck stated that the owner hasn't joined in avariance application,
which concludes that there is no valid purchase agreement.
Koneck noted that the setback requirements in the variance are not
small . They are for 32 feet, 34 feet, and 16 feet. Koneck referred
to City Code, Chapter 11 , Section 11 .45, Subd. 7, A, Variance Stand-
ares. (See p. 2. ) Koneck stated that he has not heard any discussion
that would fall in the category of undue hardship as required by the
ordinance for Welcome Home.
Koneck noted that there are 3 criteria for a hardship:
1 ) The property in question can't be put to a reasonable use if
the ordinance were enforced.
Koneck felt that Welcome Home could be used as a duplex.
2) The plight of the landowner must be due to circumstances
unique to his property; not created by the landowner.
Koneck felt that the landowner created the problem himself.
The plight of the landowner is caused by the fact that the
landowner wants to use the property in ways that the zoning
ordinance doesn't allow.
3) The variance, if granted, must not alter the essential
character of the locality.
Koneck noted that it is a single family low density area. The
variance will change the area into a high density, apartment,
quasi-commercial use. If Welcome Home has to comply with the
ordinances regarding setbacks, they are going to suffer econ-
omic hardships. Economic hardship alone is not enough to grant
a variance.
Schele stated that they could not put the structure to a .reasonable
use for Welcome Home's purposes without variances.
Schele said that they have a contract with Hennepin County to provide
service for 16 people. Regarding altering the essential character
of the locality, Schele said that the issue of a higher density was
discussed at the City Council level . It does not belong before the
Board tonight.
Krueger stated that he had no problem with the setbacks, He questioned
• if granting of the variances is the last step in the Welcome Home
approval process. Just replied that they hoped so.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 13 - July 11 , 1985
Roger Pauly, City Attorney, stated that this request could go to
the City Council if someone appealed the decision.
Krueger said that if the Board approved the variances, construction
could begin. He inquired if Welcome Home had all necessary licenses.
Just said that they have applied for the licenses and gone through
the entire process . The situation is contingent upon Welcome Home
being able to occupy, modify and utilize the building. The health,
and program licenses, etc. , all come together at that time.
Pauly noted that the only issue that has been determined by the City
Council is that the property is presently a proper non-conforming use
as a multi-dwelling. Under State Law, use of the licensed facility
for up to 16 persons would be permitted. The issue now involves the
modifications of the property. There are two basic questions that
should be addressed and answered:
1 ) Under the City Code, relating to non-conforming uses, can
these physical changes be made to the property. You should
disregard the fact that it will be used for a group home
facility. That issue is not here; the question is, can the
physical changes proposed to the property, be made to a non-
conforming structure.
2) The request for the variances should or should not be granted.
The same criteria should be used that is used in determining
all variances. It raises the issue of whether it should or
should not be granted.
Pauly suggested that members of the Board make a judgment on their
own determination and on the basis of the Code. (Pertinent sections
are quoted in the Staff Report. ) The section is intended to limit
the number and extent of non-conforming uses by prohibiting their
enlargement. Also, the Board can compare sections of the Code that
deal with the Shoreland and Flood Plain. The Board must decide if
changes are of such a magnitude that they are material , significant,
and constitute an expansion. A review of similar cases brought before
the State Supreme Court indicates the law on the subject of improve-
ments to non-conforming uses is rather chaotic. (Ex. The Northwest
Residence case involved a four-plex that was turned into a group
home. It had four kitchens which were converted into bedrooms and
office space. This did not bother the higher court.)
Koneck agreed with Mr. Pauly's statement. Koneck stated that it
must be decided if it is an enlargement or an alteration of a non-
conforming use or just routine maintenance and repairs. Koneck
remarked that the interior of the house is being revamped and cost
is an important factor. Initially, the cost was set at $20,000-
$30,000. The building permit application represented $50,000. The
contractor hired by the Willow Creek neighborhood, estimated the cost
to be represented as $65,000. That is 2 or more 2 the value of
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 14 - July 11 , 1985
the property. That is a significant enlargement or extension of
a non-conforming use.
Koneck read from City Code, Chapter 11 .45 Flood Plain Regulation,
Subd. 9. Non-Conforming Structures or Obstructions; Lapse; Des-
truction. A, 3. It states in part:
"If any non-conforming structure or obstruction is destroyed
or damaged by any means, including floods , to the extent that
the cost of repairing or restoring such destroyed or damaged
non-conforming structure or obstruction would be 50% or more
of .the Assessor's Market Value for tax purposes at the time
of damage, then it shall not be reconstructed except in full
compliance, in all respects, with the provisions of this
Section including, but not limited to, the obtaining of all
required permits. "
Koneck remarked that Welcome Home's building hasn't been damaged,
but they are spending 50% or more to fix it up. It is an expan-
sion of a non-conforming use. Koneck suggested that they tear
the building down and start over.
Schele said that virtually none of the changes will be on the
exterior. Regarding the cost, it doesn't make sense for Koneck
to present it as an argument here as the cost is unknown to them.
Just noted that Welcome Home has a firm contractor bid that is not
• near $65,000.
Just mentioned the case brought before the Supreme Court consisting
of a four-plex with modifications along the same lines as Welcome
Home and which is a permitted use. A precedent has already been
set.
Schele said that the Board of Appeals rejected an argument that
additional residents or major physical changes in a building in a
non-conforming site constitute expansion of a non-conforming use.
Koneck stated that he has a copy of the case; there is no language
in it regarding the use.
Krueger noted that we are here to discuss the variance requests.
Koneck said that regarding the Flood Plain Regulation, Section 11 .45,
and the Shoreland Management, none of the factors have been discussed.
It must be considered if it is an undue hardship and also the effect
on the community.
Koneck apologized to Welcome Home for his arguments. Koneck felt
that the essential character of the neighborhood will be changed.
Krueger said that the proposed stairway is no catastrophe. There is
a turn-around in the front yard and additional parking spaces will be
added.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 15 - July 11 , 1985
Koneck said that one should look at the building on the interior and
the way it will look after all the changes are made.
Schele noted that the building itself was chosen because it was re-
moved from the rest of the neighborhood. It is on a frontage road.
Even though it abutts other property, it has a sense of being isolated
with much foliage in the area.
Just added that down the road is a salvage company, which is not
exactly a residential neighborhood.
Dan Grote, 7061 Willow Creek Road, stated neighbors are concerned
about a precedent being set along Bryant Lake Drive with Welcome
Home in the neighborhood. High density land use is being proposed
in an area guided for low density. There will be significant changes
in the appearance of the neighborhood. There was also concern re-
garding use of the Bren driveway (7150 Bryant Lake Drive) , which
was not part of the property's access.
Just apologized for his attitude.
Just said that the Attorney General has indicated that the property
is a multi-use property. The language says that it must be permitted
as a use for this type of clientele. Welcome Home is trying to accom-
plish provisions as put before them by the State and the City. The
parking provisions are City requirements. It would be their preference
not to pave. The determination has been made with regard to the
character and the nature of the building, any modifications to be
made don't alter the character of the building. The only change that
would suggest an enlargement or expansion of the physical property
itself, would be the stairway. It is not a significant change to
the character of the building. If the building were to be continued
to be used as a duplex , the requirements would apply anyway.
Elaine Sorensen, 7121 Willow Creek Road, felt that the facility would
be an expansion of the present site. Sorensen was concerned about the
purchase agreement.
Krueger felt that the purchase agreement was not an issue.
Sorensen said that the Board must decide if the changes are an expan-
sion of a non-conforming use. Sorensen asked if the Board would
approve those changes if someone other than Welcome Home were proposing
changes to the building.
MOTION: Lynch made a motion to deny Variance Request #85-26
submitted by Welcome Home with the following findings:
1 ) The conversion of a screened porch, the addition to the deck,
and the stairway addition, do ,constitute an enlargement of
a non-conforming use.
2) The proposed changes are not in keeping with the spirit and
intent of the City Code.
Board of Appeals and Adjustments - 16- July 11 , 1985
Sandvick indicated that he would have to abstain from the vote.
• Pauly suggested the motion be sure to include:
1 ) Whether or not proposed modifications constitute a
change or changes not permitted under the Code for
a non-conforming use.
2) Whether or not the variance requested should or should
not be granted.
Lynch did not understand the difference of including Question #2
in the motion.
Pauly explained the difference. If it is concluded that the
proposed changes do not constitute an enlargement, are not sig-
nificant, not material , and are permitted under Code, his view
of the state of the law ,is that a variance is not technically
required.
Pauly stated that there was a stalemate situation as to the
motion for the variance.
Motion to deny the variance failed for lack of a second.
The motion did include the two questions that Pauly stated.
. Lynch stated that we must continue the meeting and have more
Board representation.
Pauly said that the Public Hearing can be continued to another
date so that all parties have an opportunity to present additional
information and supplement what they have presented.
MOTION: Krueger made a motion to continue the meeting until
July 25, 1985. Lynch seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
III. OLD BUSINESS
None
IV. NEW BUSINESS
None
V. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Sandvick moved, seconded by Krueger to adjourn the meeting at
9:40 PM. Motion carried unanimously.