09-11-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 21, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. The third element states there are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. Gilbert indicated they purchased the property to preserve and improve the neighborhood and that they would not have purchased the home if they had known there would be a trailer home on the lot right around the corner. Gilbert stated this is a long, narrow lot which has created problems with the City over the years in terms of maintenance of the property. Gilbert noted he has hired a grass cutter to mow the grass. Gilbert stated in his view their request is in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan and that they are in full compliance with all of the other regulations. Gilbert requested the Planning Commission approve the request and grant the variance. Leskinen asked if there is a reason why they would not just build a house on the existing lot. Leskinen stated she is struggling with the practical difficulty since they can make use of the full lot without subdividing it. Gilbert stated it would require a house over a $1 million and that in his view the neighborhood would not support that since it does not have lakeshore. Gilbert noted the property is approximately 200 yards from the lake. In the Bjerkland proposal, that was a lot line change and the City Council approved that because it would create another lot on the lake and create a view for the second lot. Gilbert noted they are not asking for that and that state law requires that Lake Minnetonka be a public domain for all the public and not just for Orono. Gilbert stated in his opinion their findings are almost identical with Bjerkland's findings. Curtis stated Mr. Bjerkland had two lots, one lakeshore and one non-lakeshore. In that situation, the City Council approved a lot line adjustment to create two lakeshore lots out of those two building sites. Thiesse stated to his recollection the City required the lots be conforming. Lemke noted they were also two existing lots. Gilbert commented they created a new lakeshore lot. Gilbert noted the findings state the granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment and is a substantial property right of the