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Laurel Wand Architecture 1718 Logan Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55403 612 874 1086 1 p laurei@lauretuttand.com I e 2090 Shoreline Drive Orono, MN 55391 Variance Application Practical Difficulties Form January 18, 2017 The property is also unique in that it is only used as a summer residence, from May to October each year, not as a year-round residence. The property has been held by the same family for 100 years. It wilt continue to be used by the family as a seasonal residence, one of the few properties that maintains this historic use. The current zoning ordinances have come into play since the family started using the property. The original structures are still on the property and maintained in their original condition and location. In order to improve or replace original structures, the property owner is now subject to regulations that require city review. These regulations were not known at the time the family acquired the property. The existing grade elevations on the property have always constituted a "practical difficulty" but have not been changed over the course of the current landowner's tenure. The landowner does not propose to change the existing grade elevations with the construction of a new cabin. Much of the 3.79 -acre property has a grade elevation below the regulatory flood protection elevation (RFPE) established by the City of Orono. The main house is set on a hillside on the west side of the property and is located above the 100 -year flood elevation of 931.5. The existing cabin, however, is located within the floodplain. It is not located within the delineated wetland nor within the wetland buffer located on the north side of the property, but it has been impacted by rising water levels, a result of water level control measures taken by various Lake Minnetonka governing bodies and outside of the control of the property owner. The property owner seeks to use best practices methods to protect the existing grade "as is" and to follow the recommendations set forth in the soils report prepared by Haugo Geotechnical Services when constructing the new structure. 3. "The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." The granting of a variance to the average lakeshore setback to allow for a new cabin to replace an existing cabin will not change the essential character of the property or locality. The design goat for the new structure is to match the original style of the main house and the existing cabin that it wilt replace. Both structures were constructed around 1925. Minor changes have been made to the structures over the years but the seasonal nature of the cabins has remained. A gambrel roof structure wilt be used to match the original cabin. Shingles, siding, windows and exterior materials wilt be similar in quality, size and color. The new structure wilt be upgraded to include a year-round HVAC system, although the family does not anticipate using the cabin during the winter months. The character of this specific property will not be altered by the proposed changes. It is virtually invisible from other properties in the immediate locate, except if viewed from the water. The property list obtained from Hennepin County lists five adjacent properties, only two of which have residences on them. Neither of the two residences are visible from the existing or proposed structures located on 2090 Shoreline Drive. The property is essentially a throwback to an earlier time when Lake Minnetonka was used by seasonal residents, not full-time residents.