1998-09-01 minutes CHANHASSEN BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AND APPPEALS
\-. REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
Chairperson Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Willard Johnson, Steven Berquist and Carol Watson
STAFF PRESENT: Cynthia Kirchoff, Planner I
A REQUEST FOR A 10 FOOT VARIANCE FROM THE 30 FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DETACHED GARAGE, 7401
YOSEMITE, HUE AND CATHERINE LAM.
Cynthia Kirchoff presented the staff report on this item.
Hue Lam stated that he has had plans to construct a detached garage since he purchased the
property. He explained that the proposal is the most logical place to construct a garage because
of existing elevations. Mr. Lam rebutted staffs three proposals for the garage location. He
summarized by saying that the garage placement must be compatible with the existing residence,
not affect the maneuverability of vehicles and not block the view from the lower level of the
residence.
`' Carol Watson asked the distance between the house and garage on proposal #1.
Kirchoff responded that it is 6 feet.
Steve Berquist asked if the applicant had considered a 2-stall garage.
Lam responded that his proposal is 32 feet by 22 feet for 3 vehicles and equipment storage.
Berquist stated that there are 2 sheds on the survey.
Lam explained that one of the sheds is deteriorated.
Charlie Herbert, 6614 Yosemite, stated that he lives east of the subject property. He asked if the
variance would devalue his property.
Kirchoff responded that she is not aware that it would.
Herbert asked if it was normal to grant variances on the front property line.
Berquist stated that variances are not granted very often.
Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting Minutes
September 1, 1998
�. Page 2
Willard Johnson stated that they on more rigid on front yard setback variances.
Herbert asked if it was normal for side or front yards or is every situation unique. He explained
how he will rely on the experiences of the Board to make the decision,but the applicant does
need a garage.
Berquist asked if staff would explain the topography of the site.
Kirchoff responded that the property slopes to the east.
Watson stated that the applicant can expand or shift the driveway to accommodate a garage
within the setbacks.
Johnson stated that there are a number of options for the garage location.
Berquist asked Mr. Johnson where he would place a garage.
Johnson responded that he would locate it east of the home.
Lam indicated that the property drops to the east.
Herbert asked if the garage could be attached on the western portion of the home.
Lam stated that there is not sufficient space.
Watson asked if the garage could be placed on the northern portion of the property.
Lam stated that there is not enough space and that the distance from the existing home is a
problem because he would like to attach the garage to the home.
Watson stated that this is a large lot and a large garage proposal.
Berquist stated that the applicant can build 2 stalls now and add the third at the time it is attached
to the home.
Johnson moved,Watson seconded the motion to deny a 10 foot variance from the 30 foot front
yard setback for the construction of a detached garage. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Berquist stated that there are too many options for the garage placement.
Watson moved, Johnson seconded the motion to close the public hearing.
Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting Minutes
September 1, 1998
`.. Page 3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Watson moved, Berquist seconded the motion to approve the
minutes of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting dated August 4, 1998. All voted in
favor and the motion carried.
Watson moved, Berquist seconded the motion to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Cynthia Kirchoff
Planner I