Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/25/2024

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Council. He stated that the same option would be available to a neighbor, explaining that if the Commission approved the variance and a neighbor did not agree, a neighbor could then appeal the decision and the City Council would hear the request. Commissioner Van Scoy stated that it would appear that there would be room for a structure on the east side of the home. Planning Manager Larson stated that he spoke with the applicant last year about potentially constructing a structure in that location, but the structure needs to have the same setback as the home and there would be some sloping as well. He noted that may also require a variance. Commissioner Heineman asked if the utilities are located on that side of the home. Planning Manager Larson stated that typically utilities run direct from the street to the home. Mr. Nagel stated that he looked into building an accessory structure on his property and there is not enough room between the front setback and wetland buffer to have a structure that would house a trailer or anything of similar size. He explained that is why there is space between his home and the applicant's home, as there was not enough buildable area to construct a home. He noted that there is also a large slope. Planning Manager Larson commented that reasons for denial would need to be articulated. Commissioner Bauer commented that there are no practical difficulties to support the variance. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Heineman nay Commissioner Peters nay Commissioner Bauer aye Commissioner Van Scoy aye Commissioner Anderson aye Chairperson Gengler aye Motion Carried. 6.03: Public Hearing: Consider a Variance for a Lean -To Structure at 6850 148th Lane NW (Michael Ploumen) Public Hearing Chairperson Gengler called the public hearing to order at 8:12 p.m. Presentation Planning Manager Larson presented the staff report stating that staff's recommendation is that, as it exists today, does not look out of character of a typical residential property. However, the closeness of the structure to the property line will appear out of place should the applicant or the neighbor decide to build a fence along the property line. Granting a variance cannot restrict a neighboring property owner from their right to do something. It is recommended that the structure be removed. Staff is taking no position on the placement of the slab. Commissioner Peters asked if the front stake was ever located. Planning Manager Larson confirmed that the surveyor did find that stake. Planning Commission/ July 25, 2024 Page 11 of 20