09-20-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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• The Abstract to 1074 Loma Linda goes back to the 1800's.This area was owned by many early settlers that the bays of Lake Minnetonka are named. The lot is a 50' lakeshore lot. A cabin was taken down and replaced by an architecturally designed home in 1931 . The floor joists are made of ironwood, the walls are plaster, and the structure is solid. Merrilee's parents purchased the home in 1951 . Merrilee grew up in this home and eventually moved across the bay. John inherited the home after his grandmothers passing in 2009. This property and home have been in the family for 70 years and the plans are to keep it that way. This home means a great deal to their family. Most of the surrounding homes have been renovated or rebuilt new. The proposed plan for 1074 is to maintain the existing setbacks of the home and garage with the exception of moving the east wall of garage to connect with the home. The space on the main level of this expansion will be used as an extension of the kitchen, an access to the garage, a access to the north side yard where there is an existing entry to the home, and a stairwell to the room above the garage. The upper level will include a bathroom, utility room and an office/loft for the owner to work from home or have guests stay. The existing garage does not have frost footings and the slab is in poor condition. Removal of existing garage is necessary for the proposed plan. The existing conditions of well location and trees along with the narrow lot are why we have requested variance. If the new garage were to be built to the 7.5' side yard setback it would block access/service to the existing well as the land is. The removal of several trees would be required and alter the property significantly. It would also block out light in the existing windows of the dining room and bedroom during afternoon/evening sun. The existing home is very small in comparison to neighboring homes. It is a two bed, one bath home with very limited options of adding more livable space. The only available options aside from the proposed variance is adding to the lakeside of home or building up. Adding onto the lakeside will disrupt the function of the homes layout. It would also encroach the average lakeshore setback. Building up would require a large amount of engineering due to the way the home is constructed. The upper level is all sloped ceilings and hand framed. This would also destroy the character of the home that the family is hoping to maintain.