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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> February 22,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 2.Removal of the existing lakeside"Swenson"deck on the Oare property;and <br /> 3. Removal of at least 340 square feet of existing patio hardcover on the lakeside of the <br /> "Swenson"house. Staff recommends approval of some level of hardcover variance for the <br /> Abbott property,however encourages removal of any hardcover that exceeds the minimum <br /> necessary to serve the property. <br /> John Abbott,2941 Casco Point Road,noted the Oare parcel is very narrow with 20 feet of lakeshore.The <br /> parcel was associated with the Oare property a long time ago and at some point the decision was made to <br /> split that guest house off and make it into a separate parcel.He noted a 20 foot lakeshore is very narrow to <br /> keep a boat and shared historical disputes that resulted in a variance granted to allow a dock on the <br /> property. The Swensons did not abide by that but it was tolerated by neighbors. When the Abbots and <br /> Oares found that the property was for sale,they realized it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remedy <br /> the situation of a congested area.The Applicants would like to work with the City to accommodate the <br /> request to split the parcel.He shared they are not doing anything to change the property but divide it up, <br /> remove the dock,and remove hardcover. <br /> Leslie Dennis Oare,2967 Casco Point Road,supports what Mr.Abbott just said.They felt it was an <br /> opportunity to eliminate a non-conforming property with an inconsistent lakeshore setback and eliminate <br /> the dock and the 50-page dock permit with the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District. She apologized if <br /> parking spots were an issue noting they thought it was a good opportunity to provide more parking but <br /> they would not be needed. She clarified the hardcover on the new parcel would drop,and as Mr.Abbott <br /> mentioned, the guest house was originally part of her property and they would also eliminate a large <br /> section of sidewalk between the garage and existing house.The patio is an extension of the house with a <br /> built-in firepit and stamped concrete and would be very difficult to remove. The Applicants feel they are <br /> making positive changes by removing the non-conformity and hope they can move forward. <br /> Chair Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. <br /> Chair Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. <br /> Chair Kirchner can support the spirit of what is trying to be accomplished,however they would also be <br /> eliminating a non-conforming lot to then allow for a guest house on a non-conforming lot that does not <br /> meet area requirements. <br /> Bollis thinks it is a unique opportunity to go back in time and make this how it should have been before it <br /> was split off. Regarding the guest house,he noted the one acre rule and clarified that the house could stay <br /> but would not be labeled or allowed to be a guest house. <br /> Ms. Curtis replied it would not be allowed to be a dwelling but would be like any other accessory <br /> building such as a pool house,office, detached garage, or workout room. The one acre rule comes from <br /> the desire to not increase the density of the district. <br /> Bollis stated one could argue that this decreases the density because they would be eliminating it as a <br /> private residence. <br /> Ms. Curtis shared that the density stays the same. <br /> Page 3 of 9 <br />