02-23-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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BACKGROUND AND EXPLAINATION OF REQUEST Applicant purchased the property in April 2002. The property is a unique, peninsular property, surrounded by water on three sides with approximately 1,700 feet of lakeshore on the two-acre site. Ihe significant amount of lakeshore along the 0-75 foot zone resulted in a relatively small and narrow buildable zone for such a large parcel. Working with staff, applicant requested a hardcover variance for tir:; site. Applicant proposed to remove existing dwelling hardcover from the 0-7S foot zone and to construct a property that did not exceed the current existing hardcover. Both the planning comnoission and the council, with the findings that the unique nature of the peninsular lot resulted in a hardship to the applicants, approved the application unanimously. The application and findings are in applicants file at the city offices. In subsequent meetings with city staff, applicants voluntarily eliminated a lower garage entrance and two retaining walls within the buildable zone, resulting in further reduction of retaining wall hardcover. The remaining retaining wall is approximately 64 lineal feet and rests on the 7S-foot lakeside setback line. In designing the wall, the landscape architect noted that the wall could be eliminated if a gentle slope could be graded approximately into the 0-75 foot setback. The actual area of grading in the 0-75 foot zone is relatively small and can be accomplished along with the sod restoration that will follow construction. The proposed slope is illustrated on the topographical map included with the application. The advantages of such a slope are: 1 . Elimination of 64 lineal feet of hardcover on the 7S-foot setback line. 2. Increased vegetative surface and a more positive environment for run-off. 3. A safer sur&ce area, as opposed to c two and one-half foot tall retaining wall. 4. Such elimination of hardcover and better management of nutrient run-off is more in keeping with the Orono City Philosophy for protecting the Lake and promoting better water quality. Current discussions with staff indicate this plan will be a more desirable alternative to a retained surface. The grading can be easily accomplished as a part of the required landscaping and sodding following constructioa It will result in minimal disruption in the setback area. Applicant has included before and after topographical surveys showing the area of recommended grading to avoid retaining wall haricover. In addition, we have included photographs of the area to be sloped and the adjacent property's driveway and slope. You will see that die adjacent property graded a substantially similar slope in 2003 to accommodate its driveway. Such similar slope is illustrative of the grade that applicants are proposing. In summary, applicants respectfully request the approval of grading in the 60-75 foot portion of the 0-75 foot setback pursuant to the attached grading plan in order to eliminate approximately 64 lineal feet of retaining wall hardcover. # o a Q 4/ /.. •1 -.4V "4 s