10-28-2025 BOA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Adjustments Minutes October 28, 2025 --------- Page 2 of 4 Commissioner Rydberg asked if there were any concerns with standing water. Mr. St. Claire responded there were no concerns. Dale and Anne Beaudry, 19084 Baldwin St NW, stated there was not enough space to get an emergency vehicle behind the home with the current setback of the deck. Mr. Leeseberg explained that the current deck does not meet setback requirements. It is grandfathered in but cannot increase the footprint. Ms. Beaudry also expressed concern that having a deck so close would affect the re-sale of the property. Chair Beise closed the public hearing. Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Zahler to deny the proposed variance to permit encroachment into the side yard setback, allowing construction of a deck, as the following standards have not been satisfied: 1. Not maintaining adequate separation between structures for safety, access, neighborhood consistency, and utility needs does not meet the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. 2. The property is guided for residential uses which includes decks, and the property is currently improved with a home and deck that provide reasonable residential use. 3. Expanding the deck can also be accomplished without requiring a variance but expanding the nonconformity is not necessary to allow reasonable use of the property. 4. The lot configuration and existing house placement are not unique among properties in this neighborhood. Many nearby homes have similar layouts and conforming decks within the required setbacks. 5. Enlarging the deck to encroach further into the setback could disrupt the established pattern of separation between structures, potentially altering the visual and spatial character of the area. Motion carried 7-0. The Variance request will go to the November 17, 2025, City Council meeting. 5.2 Variance: Structure Size Variance, Benjamin Poythress - 13640 Island View Dr NW Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. Commissioner Bland asked if variances for water oriented structures near Lake Orono are common. Mr. Leeseberg stated he does not recall doing one before. Chair Beise opened the public hearing. Andrea Poythress, 13640 Island View Dr, stated the proposed site would have limited visibility from the lake and would reduce clutter on their property. She stated that there were limited locations where a structure could be placed on their property due to the wetlands and city held drainage easements. The applicants contested the square footage listed in the packet saying the proposed project was only 60 square feet over the standards.