2014.01.13 PC Meeting PacketCRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SUMMARY
Monday, January 13, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Crystal City Hall - Council Chambers
4141 Douglas Dr N
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INTRODUCTION - 2014 City Council Liaison
C. ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
1. Election of Officers
• Chairperson
• Vice -Chairperson
• Secretary
2. Approval of Meeting Calendar and Application Due Dates for 2014
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• December 9, 2013 regular meeting
E. OLD BUSINESS
1. Consider Application 2013-16(b) for setback variances to allow expansion of an
existing detached garage at 4952 Quail Avenue North (continued from December
9, 2013 meeting) *
F. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items:
December 17, 2013:
• Approved Application 2013-15, a CUP and setback variance for a child care
center at 5510 West Broadway
• Approved Application 2013-16(a), a setback variance for a house at 4952 Quail
2. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, February 10, 2014 meeting
3. Quarterly Development Status Report *
G. OPEN FORUM
K ADJOURNMENT
* Items for which supporting materials will be included in the meeting packet
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: January 6, 2014
TO: Planning Commission (January 13, 2014 meeting)
FROM: John Sutter, City Planner/Assistant Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Annual Organizational Meeting to Elect Officers and Approve Calendar
1. The Planning Commission has three officer positions, elected by the members of the
commission:
■ Chairperson. Currently Dick VonRueden (since January 14, 2013).
■ Vice Chairperson. Currently Joe Sears (January 14, 2013).
■ Secretary. Currently Tim Buck (since January 14, 2013).
The duties of each officer position are described in the attached bylaws excerpt.
Planning Commission action on each office is requested using the following procedure:
- The meeting chair asks for a motion and second for any nominations for the office.
- If there is only one nomination, the commission would fill the office by voice vote.
- If there are two or more nominations, each commission member would vote for one
of the nominated members using paper ballots tabulated by the recording secretary.
The candidate receiving the most votes is elected to the position. In the event of a
tie, a coin toss is used as a tie-breaker.
2. Planning Commission action on the attached 2014 calendar is requested.
ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
PAGE 1 OF 1
ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION
A. Election of Officers
The officers of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission at
the January meeting each year. Officers shall serve for a period of one year, commencing
with the first meeting of each year. The term of office for each Officer is one year, and
that no Officer may serve for more than two consecutive years in the same position.
B. Officers
The officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and
Secretary. In addition, there shall be an official administrative secretary who need not be
a member of the Commission.
C. Duties
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Commission, shall have such
powers of the supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the
Chairperson.
2. The Vice Chairperson shall preside and perform all duties of the Chairperson in
the event of the Chairperson's absence, disqualification or disability.
3. The Secretary shall be responsible for administrative work necessary for the
operations of the Planning Commission, unless city staff has been directed by the
City Manager to assume these administrative duties. In the absence of the
Secretary, a temporary Secretary may be appointed by the presiding officer to
fulfill the duties of Secretary at that meeting.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and all records of the
Commission. Minutes of the meetings shall be mailed or delivered to all
Commission members and shall include the notice and the agenda for the next
regular meeting. The Secretary shall notify all members of any special meeting of
the Commission. Approved minutes shall be provided to the City Council in the
next available meeting packet or newsbrief.
In addition to these administrative duties, in the absence of the Chairperson and
Vice Chairperson, the Secretary shall preside and perform all duties of the
Chairperson in the event of the Chairperson's absence, disqualification or
disability.
4. It shall be the duty of each member to notify the administrative secretary if such
meeting cannot be attended.
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Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission meeting
Page 1 of 6
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Monday, December 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall
A. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission conv §e- a P. ith the
fnllnwinn mamharc nrACPnt•
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
X Commissioner (Ward 2)q
tr. . ,
lssi neard 4)
Sears [Vice Chair]
Kolbt
Ric
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
X Commissioner (War. 3)
ConaM�I ner (Ward 4)
+
Heigel
VonRueden [Chair] ° ,_ ;. _
nson
Commissioner (Ward 2)
X Commission d 3
missioner (At -
we)
Erickson
Buck [Secret
Strand (7:01 p.m.)
Also present were staff members John Sutte d U41 an Kreveien.
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES �� K ,x
Moved by Commissioner
minutes of the November
C. PUBLIC HEARING
ommissioner Heigel to approve the
with no exceptions.
Motion carried.
Conside,_ haol*3-15 for a Conditional Use Permit and setback variance
forChri5510 West Broadway including an outdoor
a.
rs�rea `burne Avenue
following:
b ttstated that the subject property is the Crystal Gallery Mall where the
Ps -ion recently reviewed a large, multi-year de-malling project. The child
center would be located on the east half of the first floor of the two story
building located at the south end of the mall.
The proposed use is a child care center, which is a conditional use in all zoning
districts, and they are also proposing an outdoor play area which would be
located 7 feet from the property line along Sherburne Avenue. The standard
setback is 30' so a variance is being requested in addition to the conditional use
permit.
The play area will be fenced with a minimum 5 foot high black vinyl chain link
fence but they may choose to upgrade to a higher quality, more aesthetically
pleasing type of fence.
GAPLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved minutes.doc
Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission meeting
Page 2 of 6
The child care center will have rooms for various age ranges, from infant to
school age and seems to be a good fit for this location and property. Mr. Sutter
also said that although the play area would be located somewhat close to the
sidewalk, the right-of-way and street there is fairly wide for the traffic volume,
which isn't that high.
There is a loading area on the east side of the building, but Mr.,ttet stated staff
felt that was an operational issue to be worked out among theer,
manager and tenants as to the timing of an deliveries. IT
g g y,. z_
He also said that there are a couple of minor c
CUP is not transferable unless the new usage
been described in the narrative and that the p,
mall maintains adequate parking spaces durin
and parents could also park along Sherburn
also indicated the childcare center will havet:
interior access to the rest of the mall.
1,�
The following were heard:
Robert Wise, representing
there is a state code that , -c
fence. Commissioned
barrier and Mr. Wis >3c�
perceived risk, t s fl
that perhaps w
trees as afoR VU. . r.
N. Ment ififfil at has
19 AdUth end of the
��pick up times
- :Dose. Mr. Sutter
Yom'.
entrance and no
ierty' nes 'Aiierica Real Estate, said that
;eght and type of materials used for the
ke�f there was any thought of installing a
as �4, had not but that if there is a
g thejrWould want to look at. Mr. Sutter added
add a condition to plant some boulevard shade
aid that the mall owner might want to consider using a
educing the post spacing as inexpensive options to make
Co missioner Strand inquired whether there would be
ng off students at the center, Mr. Wise said that the center
would be used to pick up kids at the schools.
s- A- sioner Kolb expressed concern regarding the type of fencing being
p imposed and didn't feel it would necessarily be adequate since it would be only
feet from the sidewalk. Commissioner Von Rueden also suggested a barrier
of some sort might be a good idea in case a vehicle slid off the road.
Commissioner Heigel asked Mr. Sutter what the state code is for fencing around
childcare facilities, but Mr. Sutter said the city doesn't license childcare centers
so he didn't know, but it would be governed by whatever the state requires.
Moved by Commissioner Heigel and seconded by Commissioner Buck to
recommend approval of Application 2013-15 for a Conditional Use Permit and
setback variance for Christina's Child Care Center at 5510 West Broadway
including an outdoor play area along Sherburne Avenue.
G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved minutes.doc
2.
Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting
Page 3 of 6
Motion carried.
Consider Application 2013-16 for setback variances to allow expansion of an
existing house and detached garage at 4952 Quail Avenue North
Staff presented the following:
Mr. Sutter said that the property is located on a segment of Q�al<�° I platted
as an alley, which is why the garages are right along the stree' :Ove the
service road became the street, and although the propa-4 s>a� at etch
are addressed on Quail, technically their front yards fa helatt roof -way
N
along the lake and the back yards are along Quail
The current property owner recently purchased thdMuse�n@AW`Athe process
of doing some renovations and adding an accitf h curre setbacks were
`;}s 4
needed for the addition and it was found -tea, abarn-�t ion the property
encroaches into the setback. For that,611 ..r rs required to expand
the existing structure because, forme structure cannot be expanded
unless a variance is granted.
The house was built between 37 190 Ifhe bump -out is located about 3/2
hmi H .,
feet from the property hne� rr rn�etack since 1946 is 5 feet. Everything
p p pJi§ X96 ovided that the variance is just to the
except the bum -out iso
extent necessary fore �Bft. W
aou oes not follow the entire lot line, staff
� ,7 eL41Z
sees no reason te4enu#
The second I& cep mo'641R culative, the owner does not currently have a
project p,�annedXth e future would like to have a larger garage. The garage
was butt ut.a time as the house, and is 1 foot or less from the north
and rear y lJH%I' the law the garage can be maintained at its current size
baann)6 eAe p led.
1 exlained that staff felt there was not sufficient justification for a
t�e garage because it only met one of the three criteria. The
e her at this time is unsure how they want to accomplish a solution to
thgage isspues, but they have indicated they want to have more garage space
d e anding the existing garage is one of the options, but it's not the only way
y can get additional space. Mr. Sutter did suggest however that since they
mere considering expanding the garage, they should add it to this application so
they only have to go through the process once.
Staff is recommending denial because the entire garage is in the setback, not
just a small portion of it, and the degree of encroachment is much more severe.
The minimum setback for detached structures is 3 feet, and with the eave, the
garage is within inches of the lot line along the street. City staff feels that if the
homeowner wishes to expand the garage, they would need to tear it down and
build a garage that meets the setbacks, which at 3 feet already are pretty
minimal. However, if the planning commission wants to recommend approval of
GAPLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved minutes.doc
Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting
Page 4 of 6
the variance, they would need to spell out their findings or continue that portion of
the application to a subsequent meeting.
The following were heard:
Mike Brady, 4952 Quail Ave N, spoke to the commission and said that he is
looking forward to improving the home and have already done some
improvements to it; it was in really bad shape.
He said he would like to offer an alternative. Their long-term woe to
change the back of the house into the front of the housed h vet es nice
entrance. With the garage being where it is it leaves .Tof tha�p ;pace so
you'll actually see the front of the house. He wanted e; he
agreed to the standard 3 foot setback from the str�et1bitra�te�to eep the
setback from the north side lot line the same;at 1 food andead�ie felt it fulfills
the code requirements.
4:
Commissioner Richter asked the propert oyrner what 500 fee that he
addressed in his letter was for. Mr. B, aAy S t it was for the variance
application and that he appreciatedLM �� tter ir��mingg him g that as long as he
was applying for a house vans s '� 00
d3the garage variance also.
x� q
E
Mr. Sutter stated that if t eA"-q'_Eib mmtssion wants to continue the garage
'�- z k
variance to considerttae,. o:eowes attemate variance proposal, then staff
could draft findings four 0"1 MW—nate��d bring the garage variance options back
to the Commissionaaf However the house variance stands on its own
and the Com,-..-,. o d ake action on that item tonight.
Planninq^Com
i�
�issi io bl'that the garages on that street are in a line and are very
to ` : feels that moving one back to meet the setbacks would
t m e garage out of alignment with the other garages. He doesn't
a he hould be an issue with allowing the garage to be expanded since
x e ales in that area aren't going anywhere either.
ioner Richter questioned whether the applicant would have to come
in if their variance is approved and Mr. Sutter said they would not have
Mr. Sutter said that 4 of the detached garages are right up on the lot line. The
others except for one are all about the same age as the houses. The one directly
north was built in 1984 and a variance was granted, he surmised that at that time
they considered the Quail side the front yard, therefore a variance was needed to
have an accessory building in the front yard. He also said that of the other two,
one is a one -car garage and one is a two -car garage. Two -car garages are now
the new minimum, and one -car garages are more likely not to be preserved so
that is part of the reason to hold the property owner to the code because market
GAPLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved n inutes.doc
Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting
Page 5 of 6
forces will eventually replace all one -car garages with two -car garages and will
give the city the opportunity to get the encroachments removed.
Commissioner Von Rueden stated that if the current garage was demolished, the
new garage should be built to the proper setback and Commissioner Strand
agreed.
Commissioner Kolb stated that if the variance was approved, he,.w..anted to make
sure that if the garage were expanded, it would be expanded o�h house.
Commissioner Kolb also questioned the three criteria neede .9 l �ppro�µP
variance; he felt that allowing an expansion of the garage, a ho R!"'
would not alter the character of the locality as spelled item c. eso
xa
wanted clarification on item a. of the criteria.
Mr. Sutter said that item c. was the weakest in staffi inion TIE look at
locality as being the city, and you don't seeIN,-16�af gaga es I city this close
to an alley or a street. The 3 foot setbacks ._seeect since 1946, its a
pretty minimal setback to begin with, _`e sta> argln Crystal. Allowing
p Y g �A
this encroachment to become more pane.it what staff feels is altering the
character of the locality. He alsoaidet this r y rests on item a., does the
property owner have reason.,ab9 e ala :deet the code.
N
v�.`��A T 7�
Commissioner Kolb saidoat at`fae� rt ��ely;see it as the Planning Commission
telling property owners toyould take, but that the commission
should tell them wh do` re a-tlable and the property owners would then
decide. He said etaef elt thearing down the old garage and building a
new, conform' ' _ rg
as ,, a better option, if they chose to expand toward
the house he Via. >'t an ss`ja with it and would be in favor of approval.
Mr. Sutercom ded that given the homeowner's new proposal, the
commis�lo _ continue the item and staff can draft alternate findings
ofact to :Y p.., omeowner's revised proposal and bring it back to a
Moved by Commissioner Kolb and seconded by
Commissioner Heigel to recommend approval of Application
2013-16, in part, for a setback variance to allow expansion of
an existing house at 4952 Quail Avenue North.
Motion carried.
Part B (garage): Moved by Commissioner Kolb and seconded by
Commissioner Von Rueden to continue consideration of
Application 2013-16, in part, for setback variances to allow
expansion of an existing detached garage at 4952 Quail
Avenue North.
Motion carried.
GAPLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved minutes.doc
D. GENERAL INFORMATION
E
F
2
3
Unapproved Minutes of the December 9, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting
Page 6 of 6
Letter sent to Metropolitan Council regarding the 2040 forecast
• Mr. Sutter updated the commission on a letter from the Builders Association
to the Met Council regarding the 2040 forecast. He mentioned that the Met
Council may use the forecast to try and get the Legislature to declare housing
a regional system the way roads, sewers and parks are. That nrcauId make it
clear cut that they can take these forecasts and turn them i Wes. Mr.
Sutter also mentioned that Crystal is not the only deve op � . _ , bur ying
the forecast is too high and he doesn't feel that theoc ill b to
continue with the forecast as presented so far. Cores offer ted that
he is aware of a number of developing commumbi�s p th�Ometro edge with
the opposite objection, that the forecast is too elft'
9 n
` i,
City Council action on previous Planning CAM sslo .1 tams = �y
- Adopted an ordinance rezoning CrystAt:G et C-2 Planned
Mn
Development for a new building, de- lind parkrig lot improvements
- Approved a CUP for an 8' tall fent t 720dt" Avenue North
- Adopted an ordinance all owi . uor elonic signs
Staff preview of likely ag
organizational meeting),
OPEN FORUM
ut no
January 13 meeting (annual
ngs of fact for the revised proposal for
applications are expected.
and seconded by Commissioner Buck to adjourn.
Motion carried.
G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2013\12.09\unapproved minutes.doc
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: January 6, 2014
TO: Planning Commission (January 13, 2014 meeting)
FROM: John Sutter, City Planner/Assistant Community Development Director1
SUBJECT: Public Hearing: Application 2013-16(b) for setback variances to allow
expansion of an existing detached garage at 4952 Quail Avenue North
A. BACKGROUND
The subject property contains 7,528 sq. ft. (0.17 acres) and is occupied by a single
family house and one -car detached garage. There are no permits on file for either
building, but based on aerial photos they appear to have been built between 1937 and
1940. The city began requiring building permits in 1939 and adopted its first zoning
ordinance in 1946.
The property owner, Mike and Pam Brady, recently purchased the property and are
preparing to build an addition on the east (front) of the house. They also have medium-
term plans to either expand the existing garage or replace it with a new, larger garage.
The owner applied for the following variances:
Part (a): The house is set back 3'/2 feet from the north side lot line. It is lawfully
nonconforming ("grandfathered in") with respect to the 5 foot side setback
requirement for principal buildings in effect since 1946. Because the
house is nonconforming, it cannot be expanded unless a variance is
granted to reduce the north side setback requirement to 3 feet. This
variance was approved by the Planning Commission on December 9,
2013 and the City Council on December 17, 2013.
Part (b) The garage is set back approximately one foot from the north side lot line
and less than one foot from west (rear) lot line along Quail Avenue.
Without a survey we do not know the garage's exact location to a fraction
of a foot, but it appears that the roof overhang on the Quail side is within 6
inches of the lot line. The garage is lawfully nonconforming
("grandfathered in") with respect to the 3 foot setback requirement for
accessory buildings in effect since 1946. Because it is nonconforming, it
cannot be expanded unless a variance is granted to eliminate the setback
requirement. This variance awaits action by the Planning Commission and
City Council.
4952 QUAIL - SETBACK VARIANCES - DETACHED GARAGE
PAGE 1 OF 4
Notice of the public hearing was published in the Sun Post on November 28, 2013 and
mailed to all property owners within 350 feet of the property. On December 9, 2013 the
Planning Commission held the public hearing, heard a revised proposal from the
property owner, and continued consideration of the garage variance to its January 13,
2014 meeting. The City Council will consider the Planning Commission
recommendation at its January 21, 2014 meeting.
The following Exhibits are attached:
A. Owner's narrative
B. Aerial photo, spring 2012 (wide view and zoomed in)
C. Site photos
D. Site sketch — Existing Conditions
E. Site Sketch — Alternate Variance
B. STAFF COMMENTS
Three of the other seven similarly situated houses have detached garages that appear
to be located less than three feet from the lot line along Quail:
• 4916 Quail: One -car garage built between 1940 and 1947, and no subsequent
permits for expansion, so it has the same legal status as the subject property.
• 4948 Quail: Two -car garage built between 1940 and 1947, and no subsequent
permits for expansion, so it has the same legal status as the subject property.
• 4958 Quail: Two -car garage built after variance granted by City Council on July 17,
1984. The submitted application and survey showed the garage being set back 1
foot from the lot line along Quail and the roof overhang appears to be right on the lot
line. The application and Council approval minutes do not discuss any findings for a
variance from the 3 foot setback requirement which was in effect at the time.
No part of the garage, including roof overhangs or eaves, may extend into the required
setbacks for accessory buildings.
If the garage's vehicle entrance faces a street or alley, then it must be set back 20 feet
from the lot line along the street or alley. This probably does not apply in this case, as
both the existing garage and a possible future new garage described by the owner
would have garage doors facing south, not west to Quail.
State statute and city code require that all three of the following criteria must be met for
a variance to be granted:
• The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by an official control; and
• the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not
created by the landowner; and
• the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
4952 QUAIL - SETBACK VARIANCES - DETACHED GARAGE
PAGE 2OF4
Original Request - Setback Variances for Existing Detached Garage
To expand the existing detached garage, the north side setback requirement
would have to be reduced to 1 foot and the rear (west) setback would have to be
eliminated.
The requested variance does not meet all three criteria in the statute; it
meets b) but does not meet a) and c):
a. The setback encroachments apply to the full length of its walls along
both adjacent lot lines. The degree of encroachment is severe, with
the existing setback being approximately 1 foot to the wall and,
along Quail, 6 inches to the roof overhang, instead of the standard
minimum setback of 3 feet for accessory buildings. The quality of
encroachment is severe due to the close proximity of Quail Avenue
due to the roadway curb being less than 4 feet from the garage.
Allowing the expansion of the existing garage would make these
severely nonconforming setbacks more permanent. Therefore the
proposed use of the property (expansion of the nonconforming
existing garage) is not reasonable; and
b. The garage was built prior to city setback requirements which came
into effect in 1946. Therefore the plight of the landowner is due to
circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner;
and
C. The proposed variance would reduce the 3 foot setback, required by
the city since 1946, to 1 foot on the north side and 0 feet on the west
(Quail) side. Over time, nonconforming accessory buildings such as
this garage are typically demolished and replaced with conforming
accessory buildings. Therefore allowing expansion of the existing
detached garage would alter the essential character of the locality by
further entrenching a nonconforming use.
Denial of the original request is recommended based on these findings of
fact.
2. Alternate Setback Variance - for New Garage (Future Project)
At the December 9, 2013 public hearing, the property owner indicated that he
understood the city's concerns about the proximity of the existing garage to Quail
Avenue. He stated his desire for a new detached garage rather than attempting
to repair and expand the existing garage. He also stated that, like the existing
garage, the new garage's vehicle entrance would face south, not directly toward
Quail. To that end, he suggested an alternate variance to reduce the north side
4952 QUAIL - SETBACK VARIANCES - DETACHED GARAGE
PAGE 3 OF 4
setback requirement from 3 feet to 1 foot, but not reduce the standard 3 foot
setback requirement along the rear (west) lot line on Quail.
The alternate variance meets all three criteria in the statute:
a) The reduced setback would only come into effect upon construction
of a new detached garage or other accessory building, and it would
only reduce the setback along the north side lot line. The new garage
would comply with the standard 3 foot setback along Quail Avenue,
thus eliminating the existing garage's setback encroachment along
Quail which is more severe in quantity and quality than it is along the
north side lot line. Therefore the proposed use of the property
(construction of a new detached garage no less than one foot from
the north side lot line) is reasonable; and
b) The garage was built prior to city setback requirements which came
into effect in 1946. Therefore the plight of the landowner is due to
circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner;
and
c) The proposed variance would facilitate the normal, typical process of
small, nonconforming accessory buildings being replaced by larger,
conforming buildings. It will improve the property's compliance with
the city's standard setbacks which have been in effect since 1946.
Therefore the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential
character of the locality, provided that the reduced accessory
building setback of 1 foot only applies to the north lot line, and also
that the reduced setback will only come into effect upon replacement
of the existing detached garage by a new garage.
Approval of the alternate variance is recommended based on these
findings of fact.
C. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Deny Application 2013-16(b) to uphold the ordinance's prohibition on expansion
of the existing detached garage, subject to the findings of fact in bold type in
Section B-1 of this report.
2. Approve an alternate variance to reduce the north side setback requirement for
accessory buildings from 3 feet to 1 foot, subject to the findings of fact in bold
type in Section B-2 of this report which includes conditions of approval.
Planning Commission action is requested, preferably in separate motions for each part
of the application. The City Council would consider the Planning Commission's
recommendation at its meeting on January 21, 2014.
4952 QUAIL - SETBACK VARIANCES - DETACHED GARAGE
PAGE 4OF4
Request for Clearance for Building Permit - 4952 Quail Avenue North
November 18, 2013
Dear Crystal Staff, Planning Commissioners, and Council Members,
My wife, Pamela, and I purchased a home at 4952 Quail Avenue North. We love the home and plan to
move from our home in Plymouth as soon as possible. There is a fair amount of work to be done on the
home; restorative and the addition of a sunroom and bathroom on the main floor. Your inspection
official can testify as to the condition of the home and yard prior to our purchase.
When we went to make application for building permit, we were told we needed to determine if the
property is within the setbacks. We have to say although the City officials were polite, the $500 Fee for
something that has been there for more years than this Grandfather has been alive, seems onerous.
As you can see by the pictures attached, we have already cleaned up the overgrown weeds and brush.
The site plan shows the house within all setbacks except for one small bump out in the kitchen. As also
shown, the foundation for this bump out is the original construction. The garage is within inches of the
back yard westerly lot line and within a foot of the northerly side lot line so is not within setback limits.
The addition on the south of the house is over 7' from the southerly lot line and within your setback.
We are applying for a variance for the garage and the north side bump out so we can add a sunroom to
the east side of the home, (front yard), which of course will be within all setbacks and codes. This is an
improvement to the home, its value and the neighborhood.
We have a limited budget for work for the home and this $500 fee lowers the amount of work we can
do. This procedure seems nonsensical as these structures have been here 60+ years, cause no one issue,
and are obvious for all to see before purchase. Most every home from this era is in some set back
"violation". In our opinion and unless we are missing something, a blanket variance for original
structures, if not a danger or nuisance, should be granted in Crystal. It cost us $500, metal detector time
and rental, an extra month that pushes construction into the heart of winter and additional challenges
moving from our current home. Not much of a welcome to our new City and home. Some people may
also have to have an extra $700 + for a survey if they couldn't find their corner stakes. We request a
refund of our $500 application fee.
That request said, you will find us a strong and positive addition to your City, taking care of and
enhancing the beauty of our home and lot as well as helping our neighbors and other worthy causes in
Crystal.
Thank y u for your service.
Mike and Pam Brady
612.327.2932
Parcel
Map Scale: 1" = 400 ft. NI
09-118-21-14-0031
A -T -B:
Torrens
"
ID:
Print Date: 11/18/2013 4k -
Owner
Tracy A�ann
Pgrt
Market
$190,000
Name:
Total:
Parcel
4952 Quail Ave N
Tax
$4,135.22
Address:
Crystal, MN 55429
Total:
(Payable: 2013)
Property
Residential Lake Shore
Sale
$3),&;000
Type:
Price:,"
This map is a compilation of data from various
sources and is furnished "AS IS" with no
Home-
Sale
10
representation or warranty expressed or
stead:
Homestead
Date:
0 04
implied, including fitness of any particular
,
purpose, merchantability, or the accuracy and
completeness of the information shown.
Parcel
0.1 7 acres
Sale
100,00,
15e"ed
Area:
7,528 sq ft
Code:
1y
W7
COPYRIGHT 0 HENNEPIN COUNTY 2013
jg Thir4,, Green!
M
Property
Map
Parcel 09-118-21-14-0031
ID:
Owner
T r a c y „, A - 1761 trri a r i n
Narne: uw
Parcel 4952 Quail Ave N
Address: Crystal, MN 55429
Property Resideritial Lake Shore
Type:
Home- Homestead
stead:
Parcel 0.17 acres
Area: 7,528 sq ft
A -T -B: Torreris Map Scale: V = 50 ft. N -
Pririt Date: 11/18/2013 -40-
Market $190,000
Total:
Tax $4,135.22
Total: (Payable: 2013)
Sale
Price:
Sale
Date:
Sale
Code:
Wa
",r!�ntq"Deed
This map is a compilation of data from various
sources and is furnished "AS IS" with no
representation or warranty expressed or
implied, including fitness of any particular
purpose, merchantability, or the accuracy and
completeness of the information shown.
COPYRIGHT 0 HENNEPIN COUNTY 2013
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