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Date Application Received: August 25, 2021 Date Application Considered as Complete: January 18, 2022 60-Day Review Period Expires: March 19, 2022 To: Chair Kirchner and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Laura Oakden, LLO Date: February 22, 2022 Subject: LA21-000076, Lincoln Danforth, 1720 Bohns Point Rd, Variance, Public Hearing Background The applicant is proposing to reconstruct failing retaining walls within the 75’ lakeyard setback. The property abuts Lake Minnetonka with a large slope along the shoreline. The property is currently vacant and the existing retaining walls which are made of concrete. The new proposed walls will be boulders to match the neighbors existing walls. Most of the walls will following the same footprint as the existing walls. There is a slight variation closer to the north property line. The new wall in this area will be placed further away from the lake compared to the existing walls, which will be removed. There is existing vegetation located lakeward of the retaining walls to act as screening from the lake. Commissioners should discuss if additional screening should be required. Practical Difficulties Analysis Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has identified the sloped shoreline and the existing retaining walls as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance. Additionally, they have provided supporting documentation regarding Practical Difficulties attached as Exhibit B, and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Regarding practical difficulty, staff finds there to be practical difficulties for allowing the applicant to rebuild and install new retaining walls within the lake yard. The retaining walls would support and protect the slope. Staff would recommend adding additional screening of the walls to preserve a nature vegetated view from the lake. LOT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET Section 78-1680 and 78-1700 – Hardcover Calculations: The existing retaining walls consist of 72 square feet. The new proposed retaining walls are 72 square feet. Retaining walls are exempt from hardcover totals for the property. Retaining walls are excluded from the hardcover calculations. Applicable Regulations: Lake Setback Variance (Section 78-1279) Application Summary: The applicant is requesting to reconstruct the retaining walls in the 75’ lakeyard with minor expansion. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval.