08-25-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Orono Hardship Statement for wetland setback variance on address pillars We are requesting a variance setback of the address pillars (hard-surface coverage) to wetland from 26 ’ to 10*. In additions the standard site triangle is 30 ’ - we are requesting a reduction to 26 ’ in order to be in front of the existing trees and not remove them. The need (request) is to have the drive entry / address to 3 homes clearly identiPied at the street. These pillars with address plaques are commonplace in Orono, Wayzata and neighboring areas and would be totally permissible under normal circumstances. The wetland being too close has created tne hardship. Placing them anywhere else but within the setback would make them useless and ineffective. There is a safety concern for emergency vehicles to locale the property quickly as needed. Identifying this property by short temporary panels or split rail fencing is not adequate. Much of the Fox Street area is covered w ith w etlands - roadways are placed on Wetland. The 2 ’ X 2 ’ footprint of each of these pillars would in no w ay be detrimental to the wetland. The applicant would be willing to mitigate the 8 square feet of hard surface elsewhere on the property if absolutely necessary. The footings will be formulated the conditions and the applicant will maintain the pillars as needed. A wetland delineation plan is provided, as well as a current landscape survey. 1. This property is unique in that the entry is saturated with vegetation and wetlands close to Fox Street and the homes are set back substantially that both the homes and the entry is hidden from drive by view. 2. In order to place the address entrance pillars the required distance from the wetland - they would serve no purpose to drive by traffic. 3. The allowance of these pillars does not establish a precedent, as the circumstance i.> unique. •fc . 'I I