01-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION November 21, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. LA22-000055 ESKUCHE DESIGN, 3838 CHERRY AVENUE, REQUESTS VARIANCES FOR AVERAGE LAKESHORE SETBACK, 75-FOOT LAKE SETBACK, AND HARDCOVER IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT ADDITIONS TO THE EXISTING HOME. Sara and Travis Wildenberg, Applicants, were present. City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the existing home on the property is situated almost entirely lakeward of the 75-foot setback line; most of the home is also within the average lakeshore setback. The Applicant provided an updated narrative, not included in the planning report, which was emailed and placed at the Commissioners’ seats. It includes a revised practical difficulty analysis. The majority of the existing single story home is situated lakeward of the average lakeshore and 75-foot lake setbacks. The lake side deck projects over the OHWL and the lake. The Applicant is proposing to increase the ceiling height in the entire main level, reflected in the approximate 2 foot roof height expansion. They are proposing to add a second story over the western portion of home increasing the overall height by 13 feet plus chimneys. There are four areas of footprint expansion proposed, shown in yellow, the largest addition is a 22’x 26.5’ garage addition on the rear which meets the required setbacks. The three other footprint expansions include the covered porch entry and 6.5’x 9’ addition on the street side of the home 60-feet from the lake, a small addition on the west side of the home 48-feet from the lake, and a small chimney addition on the lakeside of the home. The chimney is approximately 13-feet taller than the existing roof height and will be 18 feet from the lake. The property currently has 33.9% hardcover where 25% is permitted. The majority of the hardcover is located within the 75-foot setback. The Applicant is showing some new areas of hardcover and is proposing to remove 224 square feet of total hardcover resulting in 32.9% hardcover. Staff finds the location of existing improvements impede opportunities for constructing conforming additions, height, or footprint changes to the home. however, the scale of the proposal to expand the non-conformities within the ALS and 75 foot setback are at a level that may not be reasonable. The increase of mass within the setbacks is not supported by practical difficulties and for that reason Staff recommends denial. Sarah and Travis Wildenberg, 1421 North Arm Drive, purchased the property in July 2022. They love the architecture and design, as well as the large front yard. The proposed plans are what they hope will be their forever family home. Peter Eskuche, 18318 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, has been working with the Applicants to expand the home to fit their family as it is quite a small residence on a slab. Going below ground would not be possible and would be disruptive given the proximity to the lake which is why they decided to design above the main area of the home and garage. He noted they are trying not to increase hardcover because it is so far over. There are also extensive patios along the shoreline which are all being removed, and the shore will be stabilized and restored as much as possible. Mr. Eskuche believes restoring the structure would be less damaging than tearing it down because it is literally on the lake. He noted they are trying to keep the scale of the house to the east as it is a very close proximity. In several areas of the house, Mr. Eskuche is not sure they have 8 foot ceilings so they are trying update the function and scale of the house. Ressler asked if there is a design that allows them to go up without increasing. Mr. Eskuche noted there is a possibility on the lakeside, but the problem is that almost the entire house is within the 75 foot setback. In looking at the upper level plan and east façade, it is possible that not all of that space would be entirely needed.