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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,March 8,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT <br /> 25. LA21-000010 CHAMBERLAIN FINE CUSTOM HOMES, 133 CHEVY CHASE VARIANCE <br /> Staff presented a summary packet of information. Tonight,the Council will consider a variance <br /> application for a rear-yard setback encroachment and will provide Staff with direction for a resolution. <br /> The Applicants are looking to add a screened in porch to the rear of their home,which sits on a curved <br /> road with neighbors on either side and Wayzata Country Club to the north of the property on the rear <br /> property line. Staff,through their practical difficulty analysis,found that the practical difficulties were <br /> not met. The proposed addition would have minimal impact to the neighbors and would not alter the <br /> character of the neighborhood. However,the property owner has adequate use of the lot currently for a <br /> single-family home and there are other locations for a conforming addition. The proposed addition acts <br /> as a convenience to the property and not a necessity to the use of the lot. The Planning Commission held <br /> a public hearing on February 16,2021 with no verbal comments. The Commission reviewed Staffs <br /> analysis and the Applicant's narrative;after discussion with the property owners and reviewing the 12 <br /> letters of support from the neighborhood,the Commissioners found that due to the existing location of the <br /> current home being so far setback from the front lot line, a substandard lot size,and the topography of the <br /> lot there were practical difficulties to support the variance. The Commission voted 6 to 1 in favor of <br /> granting the variance. The neighborhood letters of support are included in the packet,as well as the <br /> minutes. The Council should review the application and determine if practical difficulties are met for a <br /> variance and should direct Staff on how to draft a resolution. The Applicant is present tonight if there are <br /> any questions. Oakden has additional pictures if needed. <br /> Crosby would like to see those pictures. <br /> Oakden pulled them up on screen. <br /> Johnson said this is about having a practical difficulty and being able to meet the standard, and that is <br /> what he is not sure about. <br /> Walsh said it is one of those deals where there is a house that someone bought and whoever built this <br /> house built a big circle driveway and decided to put the house on the back part. He is struggling with that <br /> as well. <br /> Seals said Staff put it out there that it can be built in another location and she understands perhaps that is <br /> not where the Applicant wants it but it can be built elsewhere. <br /> Crosby asked where the other spot it can be built is. <br /> Johnson stated on the east side. <br /> Walsh said either on the east side or right in the middle. <br /> Johnson said it gets in to the conversation that it is not their job to design. Other people have come with <br /> this and the Council has not allowed it because there was not a practical difficulty,although he can see <br /> why they would want it. <br /> Crosby noted if there are other options it reduces the argument for practical difficulty. <br /> Page 7 of 24 <br />