08-21-2008 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

APPLICANT: Thomas Link Applicant requests a Variance for Accessory Structure in Side-Yard Setback Mr. Marohn explained the Staff Report. Staff does not recommend approval of the variance. This application is meant to resolve an outstanding violation. Mr. and Mrs. Link were in attendance. Mr. Link stated they didn't intentionally put the garage where it is located. He also stated that the measurements are 17 feet in the rear and 7 feet in the front from the lot line. Several Planning Commission members and Staff had visited the property. A-1 builders constructed garage. The contractor met with property owner and staked garage out. The neighbor told the contractor that the garage was too close. No survey had recently been completed prior to construction. A survey was done at time of purchase, 30 plus years ago. They are not disputing where the lot line is. They did not know until it was too late. The only thing done was to tar the driveway that increased the impervious coverage. The builder called him and informed him that the neighbor thought it was too close. The builder didn't think it was encroaching. Regarding the impervious coverage, who did the site plan and the calculations? The property owner submitted the site plan and Staff did the calculations. The survey indicates the garage is 1 foot longer than what was permitted. The survey also indicates the garage is 5.7 feet off the property line, not 7 feet. Driveway was tarred 13 years ago. Public Comment: Allison May, 3613 Stevens Street, Tacoma, Washington, stated the driveway was a lot smaller. Driveway is in good shape. Concrete apron was placed up to the tar. The Planning Commission pointed out that this garage is larger than any others in the neighborhood. Neither of the neighboring garages are conforming. There are 2 courses of block. They could potentially move the garage to make it conforming. Physically it can be moved. Some of the concrete pads could be removed to reduce impervious coverage. They could do a stormwater management plan. They must retain stormwater. Commission Member Williams stated he would favor leniency in allowing stormwater to run to neighbor as they are using the driveway. If the garage were moved and the concrete and tar were removed from setback,that should reduce impervious down to allowed 20%. If site plan drawing had been correct, Staff would have advised them that they were over with their impervious coverage. Elaine May, 5895 Inland Trails,the adjacent property owner. Oct. 2007 the contractor was there and I mentioned I was not comfortable with the placement of the garage. Mr. Link assured me that he knew where the lot line was. I stated the line should be surveyed and offered to pay half. Chairman Woog stated that her letter will be part of the Minutes. MINUTES 5 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission August 21, 2008