Mahtomedi planning commission recommends front-yard setback variance for Griffin Avenue awning

The Mahtomedi Planning Commission on May 13 recommended that the City Council approve a 26.5-foot front-yard setback variance allowing James and Ann Woodruff to add a small open awning over the front stoop of their home at 1356 Griffin Avenue. The commission voted unanimously after a staff presentation and a brief question-and-answer exchange.

Planner Hannah Rybak, who presented the application, said the lot is zoned R1-D (Low Density Single-Family Residential) and that the stoop already exists and “is in need of a covering at the entryway.” Rybak told commissioners that three neighbors submitted letters of support, there was no opposition, and the City Engineer had no comments. Based on the submitted plans, staff recommended approval subject to three conditions: construction must adhere to the submitted site plan; a building permit application must be submitted and approved prior to construction; and the exterior of the addition must match the existing home.

Commissioner Peter Frank asked why the house sits so close to the road; Rybak said the home was built in 1901 and predates the current zoning standards. Applicant James Woodruff told the commission that he “started construction before I realized that I needed a variance.” Chairperson Alex Rogosheske opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m.; no members of the public spoke and the hearing was closed at 6:41 p.m.

Following discussion, Commissioner Peter Frank moved and Commissioner John Rent seconded a motion recommending the City Council approve the variance; the commission approved the motion unanimously. Exhibit C in the meeting packet contains the draft resolution and the full legal description of the property. The packet notes the City Council adopted the resolution on May 19, 2026; the resolution records the council’s findings that the request meets the standards in Chapter 11, Section 11.01, Subdivision 8.20 of the Mahtomedi City Code and reiterates the three conditions of approval.

The next steps for the Woodruffs are to obtain the required building permit and to construct the awning in accordance with the approved site plan and exterior materials specification.