Laserfiche WebLink
would appear more in character of a residential property. However, if the property owner or the <br />adjacent neighbor chose to build a fence along the property line, the structure would immediately <br />look out of place. Variances cannot restrict what neighboring property owners do, therefore the <br />variance should be denied. Staff is taking no position on the concrete slab. <br />Commissioner Bauer recognized that the lean-to and concrete slab were built without City <br />involvement. He asked if the concrete slab would still require a variance, even if the lean-to were <br />never considered as part of the project. <br />Planning Manager Larson confirmed that the slab would still require a variance. <br />Commissioner Bauer noted that there were several aspects of the lean-to that did not meet City <br />Code. He asked if the slab would also need to be removed if the variance were denied. <br />Planning Manager Larson confirmed that if the variance were denied, that would be correct. He <br />stated that staff did not provide an opinion on either of these variances on the agenda tonight and <br />if the Commission supported the variance request(s) they would need to specify the practical <br />difficulties upon which they made the decision. He stated that another option would be to allow <br />the slab to remain on its own. He stated that the Commission would provide the direction tonight <br />and staff would then prepare the appropriate resolution. <br />Commissioner Bauer asked if the variance is related to the lean-to or related only to the side yard <br />setback. <br />Planning Manager Larson commented that the variance requested is for the entire structure (lean- <br />to and slab), but staff also provided the option of allowing only the slab to remain. He noted that <br />staff did not provide an opinion on the slab only option as that was not the request of the applicant. <br />Commissioner Bauer stated that if the variance request is denied, the slab itself is too close to the <br />property line. <br />Commissioner Heineman asked what the roof is composed of. He commented that it sounds like <br />regardless of the decision the siding material would need to be replaced. <br />Planning Manager Larson replied that the roof is a metal roof, which does not match the home. <br />He stated that accessory structures do need to be composed of the same material and colors as the <br />home and therefore the roof would also need to be replaced. <br />Citizen Input <br />Curtis Forster, applicant, stated that he built the structure to house his trailer and camper and <br />protect them from the large tree. He stated that he is aware of Building Code and the structure is <br />built to Code. He stated that the Building Official did come to the site before he built the structure, <br />and he has been told that it could be brought up to Code. He stated that the footing size exceeds <br />the minimum standards. He stated that he has been told that the cedar could remain, but a fire <br />barrier could be added by framing the walls and installing drywall. He recognized that there are <br />Planning Commission/ July 25, 2024 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />