08-20-1990 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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It I uKiH Zoning File #1565 July 13, 1990 Page 3 The proposed screened porch in the landscape plan is located approximately 6' from the side lot line. A 10' setback would normally be required here, and staff would question whether there is any justification to allow a variance for this location. Staff would recommend that no such variance be granted. Regarding the portion of deck requiring a handrail, raising the grade at the edge of the deck would not be advisable since that would direct more runoff to the neighbors. Cutting the deck back to a point where it is less than 30" above grade would possibly be feasible. Note that any future proposal to put a railing on the deck in any location less than 10' from the lot line, would need a variance. As to hardcover on the property, the proposed landscape plan appears to decrease the intensity of hardcover on the property from the current levels, and could be considered a positive step. The erosion problems noted by applicant in his various letters stem not only from the fact that the house sits slightly downhill from another property to the rear, but are probably increased by the amount of hard surface areas on the property. This attempt to minimize erosion by creating hardcover areas, increases the risk of intensifying erosion in the remaining non-hardcovered areas. The landscape p7‘'n does not specify the use of retaining walls in the rear yard, hence staff would presume that this area is intended to be minimally graded and seeded or sodded to direct drainage around the house. Applicant should be required to provide a grading p'an where changes in grade are proposed. The property does not currently contain a garage, and has access both from Crystal Bay Road at the front and from a privately maintained neighborhood driveway along the railroad tracks at the rear. While applicant has not proposed to construct a garage. Planning Commission may wish to consider where such a structure could be placed in the future and how that would affect hardcover on the property. The gravel parking area along Old Crystal Bay Road certainly is not a situation the City would prefer to continue permanently, given that it acts as a 50' wide curb cut. The second house on the property is not an issue in this application, although it is a uniquely located structure straddling the City boundaries. Applicant has never applied for guest house status of this structure. It does have plumbing. To staff's knowledge, this structure is currently being used as storage,only. Applicant has been advised that use of that residence as a guest house technically requires a conditional use permit from the City of Orono. Staff has not investigated whether similar rules would apply for Minnetonka Beach.