Planning commission recommends conditional use permit for oversized accessory structure at 2954 Granada Lane North

The City of Oakdale Planning Commission on Sept. 4 recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow an oversized accessory structure at 2954 Granada Lane North, after hearing staff findings, applicant clarifications and neighbors' concerns.

Planning staff said the property is in the R-2 low-density residential district and that the applicant seeks to add a detached garage/workshop in the rear yard. Staff told the commission the lot is about 0.4 acres, accessory structures must meet 5-foot setbacks in the R-2 district, and staff recommended approval with conditions that the applicant obtain a building permit, meet the setback and height requirements, and limit the structure to no more than 900 square feet.

Applicant Andrea Carpenter told the commission the building would be used primarily for storage and hobby projects by her son and would not be an accessory dwelling. She said exterior siding would match the house and that they planned to soundproof the structure to address noise concerns.

Neighbors raised the primary objections. Emily Millis of 3013 Green Avenue North said the structure would sit directly outside her windows and asked how frequently it would be used, how the applicant would manage debris and whether workshop noise would affect the block. Eric Millis, at the same address, noted the existing shed is roughly 25 square feet and contrasted that with the proposed maximum of 900 square feet, asking whether 13 feet referred to wall height or roof peak and expressing concern about a treed, common backyard where neighbors burn debris.

In response, Andrea Carpenter said the plumbing noted in plans was intended only for a sink, that the structure would be finished and insulated, and that they would not burn scrap wood but dispose of it through other means. A commissioner reminded the body that a conditional use permit runs with the land, meaning a future owner could site a structure up to the approved size, and commissioners discussed the need to plan for that eventuality.

After the discussion the commission moved to recommend approval of the permit with the staff conditions. The motion passed with one commissioner recorded in opposition; the transcript does not list individual votes by name. The commission instructed that final compliance (height verification, materials, and permit review) be checked at the building-permit stage.

The applicant and neighbors were given the opportunity to follow up with staff for clarifications; staff said it would verify the exact accessory building height limit for the R-2 district and follow up by email. The permit recommendation now goes forward to the City Council for its consideration as required by local process.