Laserfiche WebLink
his direct neighbors, and they do not have an issue with the structure. He explained that he is just <br /> here tonight for a variance, and he understands that he would need to get the structure fire rated. <br /> He added that he has gutters and snow guards on the roof. He shared that he chose to use cedar as <br /> the building material for this structure as it is cohesive with the cedar accents on his home. <br /> Councilmember Specht asked Mr. Forster why he did not put this structure elsewhere on his <br /> property. <br /> Mr. Forster explained that all of his utilities are on the other side of his property. He added that <br /> there is also a large hill on this side of the house that would need to be filled. He noted that he <br /> would have also had to add a new driveway on this side of his home. He shared that he had <br /> originally wanted to add a garage to the east side of his property. He explained that in order to fit <br /> his camper, the garage would need to be at least 30 feet. He noted that the road curves in on this <br /> side of his home and he has a marsh in the back so it would not be able to fit on this side. He <br /> explained that when he moved into this home, he could not keep the grass alive that was where the <br /> lean-to structure currently is due to the heat from being in between the two homes. He added that <br /> the aluminum paneling on the side of his camper had even started warping due to this heat. <br /> Councilmember Riley asked Mr. Forster why he did not get a permit for this building. <br /> Mr. Forster explained that he had planned on building the garage and by the time he realized he <br /> could not build a garage it was late in the year, and he had to start digging footings before the <br /> ground froze. He said he is coming asking for forgiveness and apologized for doing this without <br /> permitting. He stated this has been a massive headache and wishes he would have waited until this <br /> year to build the structure with proper permitting and approvals. <br /> Councilmember Howell asked Mr. Forster if there were any other hardship reasons why the <br /> structure was built where it is other than being limited on the other side of his property in order to <br /> protect his assets. <br /> Mr. Forster said that funds were not an issue that played into the structure being placed on this side <br /> of his home. He added that he also had a window on the east side of his home that would just look <br /> into the lean-to if it were built on that side of the home. He noted that he has a fireplace on the east <br /> side of his home and the chimney does come out on this side of the home. <br /> Mayor Kuzma asked if he would be willing to bring the structure up to code and bring it in five <br /> feet. <br /> Mr. Forster said if he had to bring the structure in five feet, then there would be no point in even <br /> having the structure as it would not fit his trailers. He explained that he is here for the variance to <br /> keep the structure at 20 feet wide so he can fit his trailers. <br /> Councilmember Howell asked Mr. Forster if a roof only structure would be an option if this were <br /> to move forward. <br /> Mr. Forster said yes. <br /> City Council/August 12, 2024 <br /> Page 7 of 10 <br />