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Date Application Received: 07/20/2022 <br />Date Application Considered as Complete: 07/27/2022 <br />60-Day Review Period Expires: 09/25/2022 <br /> <br /> <br />To: Chair McCutcheon and Planning Commission Members <br /> Adam Edwards, City Administrator <br /> <br />From: Melanie Curtis, Planner mcc <br /> <br />Date: 15 August 2022 <br /> <br />Subject: #LA22-000040, Backyard Minnesota o/b/o James & Jennifer Schugel, 1971 Fagerness Point <br />Road <br />Variance <br />Public Hearing <br /> <br />Background <br />The subject property has an existing, failing timber wall and stair <br />system. They plan to reconstruct all of the walls and stairs in the <br />same location and setback from the lake. However, due to the <br />change in wall materials from timber to boulders, the walls will <br />have a larger footprint than existing. Additionally, the existing stair <br />is narrow (ranging between 18” and 2.5 feet in width) and not very <br />functional. They plan to install a 4 foot wide granite stair with a 12 <br />square foot pea rock landing at the turn in its place. A setback <br />variance is required for the new walls. <br /> <br />Practical Difficulties Analysis <br />Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has identified the <br />failing retaining wall, protection of the hillside and the need to <br />provide reasonable access to the dock as practical difficulties <br />supporting the requested variance. Additionally, they have <br />provided supporting documentation regarding Practical Difficulties <br />attached as Exhibit B, and should be asked for additional testimony <br />regarding the application. <br /> <br />Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Regarding practical <br />difficulty, Staff finds that the existing conditions of the failing <br />retaining walls, substandard stairs, and vulnerable hillside are <br />practical difficulties which support the variance request. The new <br />retaining walls would support and protect the slope. <br /> <br />Application Summary: The applicant is requesting approval of <br />lake setback variances in order to reconstruct a retaining wall and <br />stair system in the lake yard with different wall materials. <br />Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends <br />approval.