MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager
SUBJECT: Bowie Advisory Planning Board Resolution #BV-3-07
12219 Fleming Lane
DATE: November 26, 2007
________________________________________________________________________
At the November 19, 2007 City Council hearing of oral argument on variance application #BV-3-07, the applicant, Mr. Lyle Schmidt, stated that the lot coverage estimates prepared by MNCPPC staff were incorrect and that his existing shed does not contain 300 square feet, as stated in the City staff report. Council agreed to continue the hearing to December 3, 2007 to allow Mr. Schmidt to work with staff to clarify the exact square footage of the shed.
Staff met with Mr. Schmidt on November 20, 2007 and took measurements of the shed. According to MNCPPC, the way dimensions are measured is from the edges of the building walls, not from the roof overhang of a building. MNCPPC bases their interpretation on several definitions in the Zoning Ordinance, including those for "Lot Coverage", "Building" and "Gross Floor Area". Staff measured the exterior building dimensions as follows: Width - 11', 9" and Length - 20', 2.5". The total square footage of the shed is therefore 237.45 square feet. The difference between the 300 square foot estimate and the actual measured size is 62.55 square feet. Reducing the amount of the Schmidt variance request, 98 square feet, by 62.55 square feet leaves 35.45 square feet, which is the revised amount of variance approval needed.