05-20-2019 Planning Commission Packet

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PC LA19-000027 Exhibit E Michael H and Suzanne D Johnsrud 135 Luce Line Ridge Orono, MN 55359 Narrative: We are requesting a variance to build a lean-to on to our existing structure. The purpose of a lean-to is to secure our possessions on our own property. A lean-to is the least expensive,the most environmentally friendly, and the most neighborly structure we can do to secure our possessions. As our plans depict,the lean-to would be approx. 282 sq. ft. in size with a property setback of approx. 57'. If we were to build a new standalone structure we could build up to 1000 sq.ft. with a side setback of 20'.This lean-to would not be visible from in front of our house and the exterior materials will match the existing structure. There is a direct correlation between the cost of a smaller lean-to vs. building a separate standalone structure. To build a lean-to will be approx. 50%the cost of a new standalone structure when you calculate materials, labor, site prep work,tree removal, landscaping,ground stabilization, etc. We have plenty of acreage to do a standalone structure; however,we would have to remove some (5) trees, remove and add fill, and build a retaining wall to build up the ground where a building would fit because of the grade of our lot. We are not trying to cram as much as we can on to our property. We are trying to secure our possessions and make sensible and prudent financial decisions about our property. Having our trailer in our own secured environment is a real-world no-nonsense approach and makes a lot of practical sense. The extra costs,the larger environmental impact and the chance of not remaining cordial with the neighbors makes granting this variance a no-brainer. Our neighbors,Scott and Shannon Burger(the neighbors on the side where this lean-to would go) have said that they would provide a letter of support in favor of a lean-to.