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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,September 19,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Sanja DeGarmo,Applicant,noted there is really no other place to put an attached garage,noting they <br /> would be decreasing hardscape and it would be a simple two-car garage. The Watershed District does not <br /> require any permitting or approval. <br /> Chair McCutcheon opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> Chair McCutcheon closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> McCutcheon thinks the Applicant did due diligence with what they had and they do not have a lot. The <br /> practical difficulty is understood and it is a sensible ask. <br /> Kraemer echoed McCutcheon noting it is a textbook example of practical difficulty, Staff did a great job, <br /> it is a nice design and set up and it is a yes for him. <br /> Ressler agreed,without disrupting wetlands there is not a reasonable place to put it, and they are <br /> improving current situations to mitigate that practical difficulty.He is prepared to support a motion. <br /> Bollis moved,Kraemer seconded,to approve LA22-000043,2675 Fox Street,Variance.VOTE: <br /> Ayes: 7,Nays 0. <br /> 3. LA22-000045 ADDILAY HOMES&REMODELING,LLC-SCOTT JOHNSON,1153 <br /> ELMWOOD AVENUE,REQUESTS SIDE YARD AND STREET YARD SETBACK <br /> VARIANCES FOR A HOME ADDITION.(STAFF: LAURA OAKDEN) <br /> Scott Johnson,Applicant,was present. <br /> Staff presented a summary packet of information. Oakden noted the Applicant is requesting a street and <br /> sideyard variance for a new garage. The property currently has a detached garage that encroaches in to the <br /> right of way and a deck along the side of the accessory building connecting to the main door of the <br /> home. The Applicant is proposing to remove the existing garage and build a new garage that is attached <br /> to the existing house. The new garage addition will create a new front door to the home and will connect <br /> to the existing sidewalk along the south side of the home. The new improvements will create a 15 foot <br /> sideyard setback where 30 is required but existing conditions of the garage encroaching into the right-of- <br /> way is an improvement. Staff finds the practical difficulty standards are met.The property is substandard <br /> as it pertains to size and width. While the home meets the setbacks for the zoning district there is no <br /> conforming building envelope to allow a garage within reasonable proximity to the home.The property is <br /> unique due to the right-of-way which crosses through the parcel limiting the building envelope.The <br /> proposed project will improve the existing conditions of the setbacks today to the street and sideyard,the <br /> engineer has reviewed and noted the proposal appears to remove any encroachments to City right-of-way. <br /> The Applicant submitted letters of support from abutting neighbors,and Oakden received quite a few <br /> phone calls from neighbors interested in the project but did not submit concerns. Staff recommends <br /> approval of the project as proposed. <br /> Scott Johnson,4130 St.Marks Drive,Minnetonka,is here to answer any questions noting it helps the <br /> situation for the neighbors and reduces the garage from the right-of-way. <br /> Chair McCutcheon opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. <br /> Page 7 of 9 <br />