1998 07 14CHANHASSEN BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AND APPPEALS
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
Chairperson Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Willard Johnson, Steven Berquist and Carol Watson
STAFF PRESENT: Cynthia Kirchoff, Planner I
A REQUEST FOR AN 11 FOOT VARIANCE FROM THE 30 FOOT REAR YARD
SETBACK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ENCLOSED PORCH, KIM BEAUCLAIR
(CONTRACTOR) CHRIS AND CRAIG WINTER (OWNER), 8372 STONE CREEK
DRIVE
Cynthia Kirchoff presented the staff report on this item.
Steve Berquist asked if the side yard setback on the flag lot is 20 feet.
Kirchoff responded that it was 10 feet.
Carol Watson stated that the house on the adjacent flag lot would probably be oriented in such a
way that the side of the house would abut the rear of the subject property and face the driveway.
Berquist stated that it is logical for a side yard to abut a side yard, not a rear yard. He explained
that this variance would allow the tree canopy to remain in the rear yard.
Willard Johnson stated that the porch should be placed in the rear yard because if a variance is
granted, it will place pressure on the vacant lot.
Berquist moved, Watson seconded the motion to approve an 11 foot variance from the 30 foot
rear yard setback for the construction of an enclosed porch. Johnson opposed. The motion failed
by a vote of 2 to 1.
Watson stated that the decision was not arbitrary because it is a unique situation. She explained
that this variance will save trees in the back yard. Ms. Watson also stated that in a normal
situation, the side yard would only be 20 feet. Watson stated that the house will probably be
oriented so that the side abuts the rear yard of subject property and the enclosed porch.
Craig Winter stated that the house on the vacant lot could be setback further than 10 feet.
Watson stated that the house has to be built within the required setbacks.
Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting Minutes
July 14, 1998
Page 2
Mike Clausen, the home builder, stated that the two lots would have had the choice to share a
driveway if the garage was end-loading.
Johnson stated that the variance would put pressure on the vacant lot.
Watson asked if the utility easements were occupied.
Kirchoff stated that she is uncertain and that engineering should be consulted.
Berquist stated that the power line and the creek are in the easements.
Watson moved, Johnson seconded the motion to close the public hearing.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Watson moved, Berquist seconded the motion to approve the
minutes of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting dated June 30, 1998. All voted in
favor and the motion carried.
Watson moved, Johnson seconded the motion to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Cynthia Kirchoff
Planner I