05-28-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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! March 19.2002 Croheau Variance Request - Hardship Description 1405 Sixth Ave North. Orono MN 55356 ADDENDUM B Background: Tiie existing home on this 10.6-acre lot was built in 1984. a legal location prior to the establishment of the Biuff Impact Zone Ordinance. With the introduction of the ordinance, the entire living space of the home now fails within the impact zone. The unique shape and topography of this tot, together with the setbacks and bluff impact zone, reduces the buildabte area to 4% of the total site (see Attachment 1). This limited area for building a home is due entirely to the distinctive topography, unique to this lot. Because the entire living space of the existing house falls within the Bluff Impact Zone, no addition could be built and still conform to the official controls. The Bluff Impact Zone Ordinance was established for properties within the shoreline that drain directly into the take. This unusual property drains into the wetland contained within the lot, not Into the lake; this distinctive situation could not have been foreseen by a standardized bluff ordinance. Proposed Remodeiino: The proposed remodeling would not in anyway alter the essential character of the lot and the surrounding area. All grade changes were made during the construction of the existing home In 1984, because there would be no changes to the existing grade, there would be no further impact on the bluff zone by the addition and remodeling. No trees would be removed on the lakeside and minimal trees on the street side. Hardcover is not a concern due to the size of the lot. Roof drainage will be engineered to flow into a drain tile system that channels roof runoff directly into the ground rather than running over the lot. therefore mitigating any erosion issues. The Owner's are seeking a variance to make an addition to the home inside the Bluff Impact Zone and an addition to the garage in the side-yard setback area. The hardship of the restricted building area makes it necessary to seek variances for a reasonable change to the house. In addition, all engineering issues can be resolved with no difficulty. Alternative Siting: There is no alternative site on which a house could be built owing to the limited building area, nor an alternative location outside the Bluff Impact Zone in which to add onto the existing house. Summan/ of Hardships: 1) A ten-plus acre of land should have a practical buildable area; 2) the present home was built in a legal location prior to the bluff ordinance; 3) the site does not drain into the lake but rather into the wetland; 4) the topography of the lot uniquely restricts the ability to make an addition onto any part of the building; and 5) no addition could be built on the house that would not fail within the impact zone. These hardships hamper the enjoyment and preservation of property rights for the Owners necessitating a variance to remodel the home to fit the (Xvner's needs and make the property compatible with the neighborhood. 410fr ^ d i ^