03-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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 to allow the construction of the new structure using alternate methods of construction to ensure that the existing ftoodptain, grade elevations and soils remain undisturbed during and after construction. 7. "The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one -family dwelling as a two-famity dwelling." N/A. Not applicable. 8. "The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property." The special conditions that characterize both the existing structures and the property located at 2090 Shoreline Drive are peculiar and unique even to the varied and irregular properties that are located around Lake Minnetonka and in the surrounding neighborhoods and districts. This property is nearly invisible from adjacent properties. It comprises 3.79 acres on a peninsula that is accessed from a gravel road under a railroad trestle. The old SOO rail line separates the property from all other adjoining properties. A major bridge, the Arcola Bridge, is located to the south of the property, separating the property from Minnetonka Beach. The closest residence is located to the north of the property, several hundred feet as the crow flies over a small bay adjoining Crystal Bay. Because of the isolation of the property from adjoining properties, it is difficult to apply standard zoning regulations or even rules governing average lakeshore setbacks. A variance to the average lakeshore setback is sought by the property owner because of the difficulty of applying the same lakeshore setback that exists at the nearest adjacent residence to this unique parcel. The owner hopes to replace an already extant structure with a new structure, in the same location. A "practical difficulty" will arise if the new cabin cannot be constructed at the location of the existing cabin. The original structures on the property are peculiar to the immediately adjoining properties and predate current zoning ordinances and setbacks. The original 1925 "2 -story wood frame house" is located at the highest elevation on the property approx. 48.9 ft. from the west shoreline and occupies the entire hillside above the 931.5 contour line. The existing "cabin" is located approx. 93 feet from the north shoreline, within the currently defined floodplain. Both buildings are used as summer homes by a single family, not as year-round residences. A typical setback for this zoning classification is 75' from the shoreline or it is defined by the average distance from the shoreline of existing residences on either side of the property. Because no residences adjoin the property on either side, the average lakeshore setback is governed by a property located to the north that is adjacent but not comparable. The adjacent property has a setback of 143 ft. from the lakeshore. We propose to set the new cabin 75' from the north shoreline, maintaining the southern edge of the structure but moving the new structure westward to avoid the wettand buffer.