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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 18,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Leskinen stated she has no concerns with the proposal except for requiring a landscape plan for the stair <br /> area. <br /> Landgraver moved,McGrann seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 14-3680, <br /> Natural Landscape Minnesota,Inc.,on behalf of Brad and Pat Cleveland,4315 North Shore Drive, <br /> granting of a conditional use permit,subject to the submittal of a revised landscape plan for around <br /> the stairs and subject to any recommendations of the City Engineer.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> 10. #14-3681 BY THE WOODS,LLC,ON BEHALF OF DON AND JANE HOUCK, 1535 <br /> FAIRVIEW COTTAGE LANE,CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE,8:53 P.M.— <br /> 9:01 P.M. <br /> Laura Wood of By The Woods, LLC, was present. <br /> Curtis stated the applicant, on behalf of the property owners, is requesting a conditional use permit <br /> approval to conduct minor land alterations within 75 feet of the lake. A new house is currently under <br /> construction on the site. The work involves the removal of some existing timber walls, re-grading of the <br /> slope in those areas, installation of a short lake access stair with low walls,a boulder replacement wall <br /> located just above the riprap, replacement of a timber wall, and installation of boulder outcroppings. <br /> During the Staff review a hardcover variance to exceed 25 percent was identified as the hardcover <br /> numbers did not balance out to 25 percent. Staff and the applicant have discussed that item today and the <br /> excess hardcover was not the intent. Hardcover will be adjusted to meet the 25 percent limitation. A <br /> hardcover variance is still required to permit the boulder wall and the boulder outcroppings within the <br /> 75-foot zone. <br /> The applicant is proposing to re-grade the areas to eliminate the need for the additional upslope walls. <br /> Curtis indicated one wall runs the width of the lakeshore and will be replaced with an in-kind boulder <br /> wall. A small portion of the slope on the west side requires the use of some boulder outcroppings and <br /> plantings to stabilize the area. The applicant has provided a listing of plants to be installed,which should <br /> result in a natural looking slope. <br /> Staff did review the proposal against the conditional use permit criteria and provided an analysis within <br /> the Staff report. Staff believes the proposed grading within the 75-foot setback will have no impact on <br /> surrounding lands and the proposed grading has been designed to minimize environmental impacts. In <br /> addition, a screening plan has been provided to screen the improvements from the lake. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for the earth work within the 75-foot <br /> setback area to construct the lake access stair, install boulder outcroppings, remove the existing timber <br /> retaining walls, and install the boulder wall. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the hardcover variance regarding the replacement boulder wall, stair, and <br /> outcroppings within 75 feet of the lake. All of the hardcover improvements should be screened with <br /> vegetation as proposed. Curtis noted there is not a request to exceed 25 percent hardcover, so a denial <br /> motion is not necessary as indicated in the Staff report. The applicant should provide revised plans prior <br /> to placement on the City Council agenda reflecting the hardcover meeting the 25 percent limitation. <br /> Page 26 of 33 <br />