03-15-1999 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 15, 1999 • (#6) #2461 CHRIS PIERSON, ON BEHALF OF BRYSONS/JOHNSONS, 650, 660, 670, 680 BID ISLAND, LOT LINE REARRANGEMENT, 8:03 p.m. -8:22 p.m.—(continued) The Applicants are proposing to combine Lots 3, 4 and one-half of Lot 5 to create one tax parcel on Big Island, and the center lot would be split and added to the 650 lot. Weinberger remarked the main issues to address would be the future of the existing cabin located on Lot 5. Fire Code does not allow a structure to exist this close to the property line. There are also exists some zoning code requirements which would require variances to be granted to allow a residence to be located this close to a lot line, and a conditional use permit would be necessary to allow a guest cabin. Currently City Code does not allow two principal residences to be located on one lot. The Applicants are proposing to keep the existing cabin, which Staff cannot support, and Staff has stated the cabin on Lot 5 shall be removed prior to the filing of the subdivision with Hennepin County. The State Building Code does not allow buildings to be located within three feet of property boundaries. Weinberger stated this proposed lot line rearrangement would reduce density on Big Island and the eventual removal of structure and hardcover and returning the area more to its natural appearance. Currently the cabin located on Lots 5 and 6 shares a well located to the south, which would be moved to 650 property should the lot line rearrangement be approved, and also shares a septic system serving the property at 670. Staff is requesting that the septic lines be capped, and the proposal would be one septic site for one residence. Staff is also requesting that the easements and any other agreements relating to the well and septic systems be vacated and eliminated. At the time this was platted, there would not have been drainage and utility easements • to vacate over the old property line, but Staff is requesting that there be five feet on each side of the interior property line and ten feet across the rear of the property line for drainage and utility easements. Staff is recommending approval of the lot line rearrangement to create the two tax parcels with Lots 3, 4, and 5 making up one parcel, and Lots 6, 7, and 8 making up the other parcel. Staff is requesting that the cabin located on Lot 5 be removed, along with the deck, stairway, sidewalk, and removal of the shed, prior to the filing of the subdivision with Hennepin County. Staff is also requesting that title opinions be delivered to the City for Lots 3 through 8. Pierson stated the property was acquired from Betty Fisher who had requested at the time of purchase that the cabin remain for a period of time due to sentimental reasons, which was agreed to by Bryson and Johnson. Chair Smith inquired what the use of the cabin will be should it remain on the property. Bryson indicated that they have no intentions on utilizing the cabin and are willing to remove it in two to three years. Johnson stated, if possible, they would like the cabin to remain for the next five years, but if the Planning Commission decided otherwise, they would be willing to remove the cabin. There were no public comments. Lindquist indicated he would be agreeable to allowing the cabin to remain on the property for two years. • Page 8