04-19-1999 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR MARCH 15.1995 (#2469 Bruce and Betsy Nusbaum, continued) Weinberger stated the curb cut on Birch Lane is presentiy 44 square feet, which wiii be reduced to meet the maximum of 20 feet aiiowed by the City. The propos^ iocation of the house is aiso beyond the 75 feet required for structure from the lakeshore of Lake Minnetonka. Weinberger stated due to the high water tabie on this property, a basement wiii not be supported, which does pose a hardship. Weinberger noted the Appiicants have expiored other options of adding on to the present structure but the present foundation does not support any addition. Nusbaum stated the garage suffered storm damage last year and a new roof was put on the structure. Chair Smith noted that the Appiicants are proposing to make significant reductions in the hardcover, but the Planning Commission likes to see new structure conform to the 15 percent structural coverage limit whenever possible. Nusbaum commented that this plan has been revised once already to reduce hardcover and his architect has recommended this size of structure to keep the residence within the character of the rest of the neighborhood. Mrs. Nusbaum stated they would like a house to comfortably accommodate a family of four, noting that the present structure was at one time an old cabin. Nusbaum commented they have looked at various options for this property in an effon to reduce hardcover. Chair Smith commented that the CHy is concerned about the possible impact the hardcover would have on Lake Minnetonka and that structural coverage should be closer to the limit of 15 percent. Hawn indicated she was in agreement with Smith. Hawn suggested that perhaps the garage could be incorporated somehow with the house, but as the proposal is presently before the Planning Commission, she would not be able to approve the application due to the high structural coverage. Nusbaum requested the Planning Commission take into consideration the improvements they are proposing to make to the existing hardcover. Hawn commented that the Planning Commission needs to remain consistent on the 15 percent limit, noting that many applications of this type appear before the Planning Commission. Schroeder remarked that the City needs to protect Lake Minnetonka whenever possible. Chair Smith inquired whether there were any public comments. Jim Daly, 3458 North Shore Drive, commented that in his view this proposal is not excessive and the Applicants should not be penalized for their smalt lot. Mrs. Nusbaum commented that they would like to reach some type of agreement on the structural coverage. Lindquist stated whenever new strudure is being proposed, the Planning Commission likes to have the Applicants hold to the 15 percent structural coverage limit. McMillan suggested that since some major improvements to hardcover are being proposed, that perhaps some flexibility could be given on the structural coverage. Page 19