Commission tables North 3rd garage complex after neighbors raise height, drainage and access concerns

The planning commission on Aug. 7 tabled review of a proposal to demolish existing multi‑stall garages and build a larger detached garage structure at 13060 North 3rd Avenue after prolonged public comment flagged concerns about height, massing, drainage and fire access.

Staff described the project as a replacement of eight existing bays with a larger structure (16 bays in the applicant's plan), and listed four variance requests: a larger detached accessory building area (proposal ~7,150 sq ft vs. typical 2,000 sq ft), a modest side‑yard encroachment, a roof style exception and an increased sidewall height in places. Staff also said the plan proposed removing some paved areas to keep impervious below 50% and had discussed the west driveway with the fire department; the fire chief was not supportive of losing the secondary access but would not block the development if alternative access remained unobstructed.

Multiple residents spoke against the large western massing as proposed. "I think buildings proposed are excessive, 30 foot high garage and residential," one neighbor (Bruce Carlson) said, calling the end portion out of scale with surrounding homes. Neighbors also raised questions about existing water pooling and snow storage and asked for a plan to manage runoff; commissioners repeatedly urged a water‑management plan, asked the applicant to reduce the tall western portion and recommended preserving or ensuring unobstructed emergency access.

After deliberation commissioners opted to table the item so the applicant can return with revised plans that reduce the height/massing of the western portion, address stormwater management and resolve questions about the west driveway and fire access.