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Planning commission approves variance allowing larger garage at 13060 North 3rd Avenue
Summary
The Lindstrom Planning Commission approved a variance to increase an accessory structure footprint from 2,000 sq ft to 6,242 sq ft and to allow different roof pitches, with conditions including gutters and a prohibition on vehicle storage.
The Lindstrom Planning Commission voted to approve a variance for 13060 North 3rd Avenue that increases the permitted detached accessory-structure area from 2,000 square feet to 6,242 square feet and allows an 8/12 and 6/12 roof pitch instead of matching the principal building’s flat roof. The motion, made by Commissioner (speaker S2) and seconded by Chair (speaker S6), carried after staff recommended conditional approval.
City planner Kendra (speaker S8) told the commission the parcel is split-zoned (R1 to the north and R4 to the south), that the applicant reduced the original request substantially, and that staff found the revised design addressed earlier drainage and height concerns. "Staff also recommends approval of the variance deviating from the requirement that the roof pitch of the accessory structure be similar to that of the principal structure and allow an 8 12 and 6 12 roof pitch," Kendra said. The staff recommendation included specific conditions such as gutters and downspouts on the north side and a restriction barring vehicle storage in the accessory units.
The applicant (speaker S3) described why the larger footprint is needed, saying the extra space is primarily to support the apartment buildings on-site and to house maintenance and tenant-related items. "This is merely just for the apartments," the applicant said, explaining that out of eight garage stalls they currently use only two and that additional indoor storage would be used for spare appliances, air-conditioning units and property-related storage. Commissioners pressed on whether the larger garage would set a precedent for business equipment storage on residential property; the applicant said it is not for an external business and that some stalls are reserved for snowplow and maintenance equipment.
The motion to approve "the variance with the maximum accessory structure area of 2,000 square feet to 6,242 square feet and approval of the variance to allow for an 08:12 or 06:12 pitch with conditions and findings of fact as presented by staff" was moved (S2), seconded (S6) and approved by voice vote. Conditions recorded in the packet and discussed at the meeting include gutters/downspouts on the north side, restrictions against vehicle storage, and findings of fact noted by staff. The commission did not record individual roll-call vote tallies in the transcript beyond the voice vote and "motion carries."
