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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Board Members Jeffrey, Brauer and Shepherd. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Members Johnson, Van Scoy and Watson. Chairperson Nixt abstained. PUBLIC HEARINGS/BOARD BUSINESS Case #1: Request for a Variance to Construct an Accessory Structure Nearer the Front Property Line than the Principal Structure; Case of Stephen and Nila Dehen Presentation Community Development Director Frolik advised Ramsey City Code states that on properties less than two acres in size, no accessory structure shall be constructed nearer the front property line than the principal structure. Mr. and Mrs. Dehen have applied for a variance to construct an accessory structure nearer the front property line at 14720 Bowers Drive NW. Bowers Drive is considered the t?ont yard and the Mississippi River is considered the back yard. She stated that in 1985 thc City adopted regulations for properties within the Critical River Corridor. She advised one of the regulations is that there shall be a 200 foot structure setback from the ordinary high water mark. She indicated the Dehen's house is approximately 190 feet from the ordinary high water mark, and is considered lawful non-conforming. She stated placement of the new garage in thc back yard between the house and river would intensify the encroachment of the river setback. Community Development Director Frolik explained the better alternative is to construct the garage in the front yard. She stated the home on the property is located approximately 74 feet from thc fi'ont property line. The Dehens are proposing to construct the new garage approximately 10 feet from the front property line and 260 feet from the ordinary high water mark. She indicated similar variances have been granted in the past, some of which were for properties along Bowers Drive. She stated, however, in many of the previous instances along Bowers Drive, the homes were much closer to the river and thus provided ample room in the front yard to at least meet the minimum front yard setback of forty feet. She indicated there is screening, in the form of trees and tall shrubs, along the front and both side property lines, which would help to conceal the proposed structure from the public road and neighboring properties. Public Hearing Steve Dehen, 14720 Bowers Drive stated they want to get another structure, as they own two boats and two trailers and do not want it all exposed and have the yard look like a junk yard. He would have siding to match the house, so the structure would blend in. Chairperson Nixt indicated staff is suggesting the size be reduced to accommodate a 15 foot setback, l--Ic asked if this would meet the applicant's needs. Mr. Dchcn stated he would like it the size he requested. He indicated there is an existing turn- around and lots of trees in the area. He advised he and his wife moved into the area in October, Board of Adjustment/May 6, 2004 Page 2 of 6