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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 16,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gaffron stated there needs to be the correct sequence but that what the Planning Commission is motioning <br /> tonight is to have the City Council authorize the Planning Commission to look at studying the creation of <br /> a B-2 subdistrict. Gaffron stated if the City Council does not authorize the Planning Commission to <br /> proceed forward with studying the creation of a B-2 subdistrict,the Planning Commission would need to <br /> vote on whether the property should be zoned to a straight B-2 district. <br /> VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> Gaffron noted this application will be on the City Council's agenda for June 23. <br /> 3. #14-3672 REVOLUTION DESIGN AND BUILD ON BEHALF OF KELLY AND <br /> MELODEE MARX,3135 NORTH SHORE DRIVE,VARIANCE,7:35 P.M.—7:47 P.M. <br /> Sid Levin, Applicant, was present. <br /> Curtis stated the applicant is requesting a lake setback variance in order to construct a second-story <br /> addition over a portion of the existing home and an attic area above the garage within 75 feet of Lake <br /> Minnetonka due to the lagoon. The home is located approximately 50 feet from the lagoon and is <br /> considered a legal nonconforming structure with respect to the lake setback. The home was constructed <br /> in 1973, prior to establishment of the City's current zoning code requirement for a 75-foot structural <br /> setback from the lake. Over the years modifications have been made to the property through variances <br /> and other city approvals. <br /> A screen porch is also proposed to be constructed under the existing above-grade deck. The addition of <br /> the screen porch is not considered an expansion of a non-conformity as the deck is currently considered <br /> an above-grade structure. The increased mass of the addition will be screened by the existing vegetation <br /> along North Shore Drive and will be relatively hidden from views from neighboring properties due to the <br /> existing vegetation and orientation of the neighboring homes. <br /> Curtis stated the proposed project will result in additional massing within allowed levels but the applicant <br /> is not proposing to increase the structural coverage level. The overall hardcover level for the property is <br /> conforming at 19.3 percent. However, approximately 3,000 square feet of structural hardcover exists <br /> within 75 feet of the lake. The applicant is not proposing an increase in hardcover. <br /> Staff finds that the 75-foot lake setback variance to allow construction of the addition appears to be <br /> reasonable and consistent with similar residential properties in the area. The existing orientation of the <br /> adjacent and subject homes as well as vegetation on the property should serve to address or mitigate any <br /> negative visual impacts. <br /> The additions appear to be reasonable and consistent with similar residential properties in the area. The <br /> proposed additions are conforming with respect to structural coverage, overall hardcover and massing <br /> regulations. The creation of the additional square footage within the home's existing footprint will not be <br /> a detriment to neighboring properties, nor will the addition impact the light, air and open space of the <br /> location. The existing home's proximity to the lagoon and the orientation of the home serve as a practical <br /> difficulty to constructing a conforming living space addition. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the setback variance to permit construction of a second story over <br /> a portion of the existing home and attic over the garage within 75 feet of the OHWL. The Planning <br /> Page 10 of 18 <br />