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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 16, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. 6. #18-3997 REHKAMP LARSON ON BEHALF OF GEORGE HALVORSON, 1300 BRACKETTS POINT ROAD, VARIANCES, 7:15 P.M. — 7:24 P.M. Rehkamp Larson, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting a lake setback variance in order to change a flat roof to a gable roof within the 75 -foot setback and an average lakeshore setback variance in order to make cosmetic improvements and structural changes to the home situated entirely lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line. There will be no expansion of the footprint. The existing home on the subject property is situated 54.4 feet from the ordinary high-water level of Lake Minnetonka and entirely lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line on the east side of Bracketts Point. The applicant's proposal involves replacing the existing flat roof of the one-story conservatory with a pitched roof, thus increasing the volume of the encroachment within the lake setback. The roof of the main portion of the home will be modified to add gables on the north and south ends to replace the existing hipped roof. The roof will not increase in overall height or peak height. However, the mass of the new gable within the 75 -foot lake setback will be greater than existing. The home is located entirely lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line based on the homes immediately to the north and to the south. Those homes do not appear to have existing views of the lake over the subject property. Instead, each of the homes are situated primarily with views of the lake away from the subject property. The proposed improvements are not likely to adversely impact the existing views of the lake from the adjacent homes. In addition, the roof will not increase in overall height or peak height. However, the mass of the new gables within the average lakeshore setback will be greater than existing. I Staff has provided an analysis of the practical difficulties in the report and can comment on those if the Planning Commission desires. The subject home was constructed in the 1950s and predates the contemporary lake and sightline protection rules. The owners intend to keep the existing home and also wish to make improvements to better suit their family's needs and to modernize the structure. Staff finds practical difficulties exist which support granting the requested variances. Planning Staff recommends approval.