03-18-1991 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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■kr: m-' PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD MARCH 18, 1991 (#9)ZONING FILS #1627-MCCLOUD CONTINUED support system. He is suggesting that the walls with a height exceeding three or four feet be lowered and that some interior walls be added. The City Engineer has indicated that the stability of the existing walls is questionable. He also stated that the lower walls would be easier to screen from the lake." DeLaittre stated that there is a protected wetland that exists from the Minnetonka Power Squadron property to Mr. McClouds. He said, "Ihe 1987 storm washed out the existing stairway and took out two trees. A major portion of the hill washed away, leaving a bowl shaped depression. Following that, Mr. McCloud hired a contractor to build an addition on the cabin, and the contractor suggested that the bank should be restored with a retaining tvall system. He informed Mr. McCloud that he would obtain all the necessary permits. We found out, after-the-fact, that he had not obtain the permits. The structure is presently in place, and we believe it does control the erosion on the property. This structure does meet the intent of the City's Hardcover Ordinance, in that it allows water to percolate into the ground. The horizontal members of decking do have spaces in between them, which allows the rain to filter through. The stairway was constructed in a zig-zag manner to limit the distance one would fall if that were to occur. There is quite a bit of vegetation that would screen the structure from the lake in the Summer. The structure has a natural wood color. Because of the sharp drop on the hill and the terracing of retaining walls, the railings on the top and second level serve a safety purpose. Without the railings, someone could fall off the edge and fall quite a distance. There were no complaints from the neighboring property owners about this structure, and I do not believe there have been any since then. Mr. McCloud does have a fairly significant financial stake in this structure, and would like to receive approval for it to remain." Hanson questioned whether McCloud would have any recourse, financially, through the contractor. DeLaittre replied, "Mr. McCloud has tried to contact the builder, but has been unable to locate him." Bellows stated that she could not possibly approve such a structure in this location. She said, "I am sorry, but I believe it is an owner's responsibility to make sure that a contractor has in fact obtainad the necessary permits. The City requires permits to be posted on the construction site. I believe this structure is extremely over-built and appropriate. It should be cut back to provide a minimum stairway access and w.hatever retaining walls are necessary to support the bank." Hanson stated that he totally agreed with Bellows. - 16 - r iiilMMifitififiliiTiiii mill III I I ■ai ifirfti H '