Planning Commission recommends FAR variance for Lake Johanna porch expansion over objections

The Arden Hills Planning Commission on June 3 recommended approval of Planning Case 26-012, a variance to increase the maximum permitted floor-area ratio from 0.30 to 0.336 at 3336 Lake Johanna Boulevard so the owners may add a three-season porch and deck. Senior Planner Elena Fransen told commissioners that the property is a riparian lot subject to shoreland rules and that the proposed addition would be set back 52.7 feet from the ordinary high water level and ‘‘the Applicant submitted the required shoreland mitigation plan for the proposed addition.’’

Commission discussion focused on the property’s multiple nonconformities and how approving this request would affect future development rights. Commissioner Brad Bjorklund argued the lot already had ‘‘six or seven non-conformities’’ and said he would not support further encroachment; other commissioners said the request was limited to one FAR variance and consistent with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Ben Lindau called the porch and deck ‘‘reasonable,’’ and Commissioner Patrick Burlingame characterized the change as minor and emphasized the Commission must evaluate this case on the three-factor practical difficulty standard. The motion recommending approval passed 6-1 (Commissioner Bjorklund opposed).

Staff attached standard conditions including issuance of a building permit prior to work, a grading and erosion permit, Public Works approval of final site plans, required permits from external agencies including RCWD and DNR, and completion of the submitted shoreland mitigation plan within one year. The record shows the existing principal dwelling is 2,718 square feet on a lot measured at 9,215 square feet and that structure coverage will remain at the 25% maximum after the addition.