Eagan council grants 1-foot garage-door-height variance at 4045 Lexington Ave S

The Eagan City Council on April 1 approved a one-foot variance to permit 9-foot garage doors at 4045 Lexington Avenue South, allowing the property owners to park a recreational vehicle inside a new attached garage.

Planner Dudziak told the council the lot is 2.3 acres in an estate zone, sits about 65 feet from the right of way and slopes down from the roadway. The owners obtained a building permit in 2024 to rebuild and enlarge the garage; the city code limits garage-door height to 8 feet. Dudziak said the proposal meets other applicable zoning standards and that the request "is the minimum necessary to alleviate the practical difficulty" of parking the recreational vehicle.

One neighbor, Eric Spring, who identified himself as the Andersons' immediate neighbor to the south, spoke in support. "I'm here in support of the variance," Spring said, adding he has lived nearby for 52 years and does not expect an impact from the higher door height.

Council member Hansen moved to approve "a variance of 1 foot to the required maximum 8 foot garage door height for property located at 4045 Lexington Avenue South," legally described in staff materials. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with no recorded objections. The council noted the building is set significantly lower than Lexington Avenue, which reduces visibility and neighborhood impact. Staff noted two conditions in the staff report would apply if the variance is approved.

The applicants, Lee and Laurel Anderson, were present but did not add remarks. Council members thanked the applicants for seeking formal approval rather than proceeding without a variance.