03-15-1999 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 15, 1999 (#11) #2468 BRUCE AND BETSY NUSBAUM, 3480 NORTH SHORE DRIVE -VARIANCES, 11:03 p.m. - 11:37 p.m.—(continued) Mrs. Nusbaum stated they would like a house to comfortably accommodate a family of four, noting that the present structure was at one time an old cabin. Nusbaum commented they have looked at various options for this property in an effort to reduce hardcover. Chair Smith commented that the City is concerned about the possible impact the hardcover would have on Lake Minnetonka and that structural coverage should be closer to the limit of 15 percent. Hawn indicated she was in agreement with Smith. Hawn suggested that perhaps the garage could be incorporated somehow with the house, but as the proposal is presently before the Planning Commission, she would not be able to approve the application due to the high structural coverage. Nusbaum requested the Planning Commission take into consideration the improvements they are proposing to make to the existing hardcover. Hawn commented that the Planning Commission needs to remain consistent on the 15 percent limit, noting that many applications of this type appear before the Planning Commission. Schroeder remarked that the City needs to protect Lake Minnetonka whenever possible. Chair Smith inquired whether there were any public comments. Jim Daly, 3458 North Shore Drive, commented that in his view this proposal is not excessive and • the Applicants should not be penalized for their small lot. Mrs. Nusbaum commented that they would like to reach some type of agreement on the structural coverage. Lindquist stated whenever new structure is being proposed, the Planning Commission likes to have the Applicants hold to the 15 percent structural coverage limit. McMillan suggested that since some major improvements to hardcover are being proposed, that perhaps some flexibility could be given on the structural coverage. Schroeder indicated he was in agreement with McMillan. Hawn remarked that this might not be consistent with what the Planning Commission has done on previous applications. Weinberger suggested that perhaps the Applicants look at constructing a two and a half story house to help reduce structural coverage. Mrs. Nusbaum indicated they would be willing to reduce the size of the garage. McMillan indicated she would be willing to consider keeping the structural coverage for the residence as proposed if the garage is reduced. Schroeder commented he would be willing to approve the 16.8 percent structural coverage given the other reductions the Applicants are making to the hardcover. Hawn expressed concern that this might be setting a dangerous precedent. Page 20