02-13-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT TO VARIANCE APPLICATION KENNETH AND EILEEN SEVERINSON nr?;CRTPTION OF REQUEST; Request for variance for repair and partial replacement of privacy/noise abatement fence (the "Fence") along side (East) and rear (South) of our residence. The Fence is at least 15-20 years old and suffered damage from frost heaves and lack of general maintenance. The Fence is parallel to the narrows and between Lafayette and Carmen Bay across from the Tonka Bay Fishing Park and in front of the Narrows Bridge on Shadywood Road. The residence was purchased and remodeled with permit, after purchase in July, 1993. The Fence was repaired and partially replaced in June, 1994. A variance was not requested since we were not aware it was required to repair and/or replace an existing fence. HARDSHIP DESCRIPTION OF UNUSUAL PROPERTY_CONDITIONS; The following is a summary of unusual property conditions which we believe are pertinent. 1.Our property is located directly on the West side of the narrows channel between Lafayette Bay and Carmen Bay on Lake Minnetonka. The narrows channel is a high traffic inlet/outlet between the lower lake and the upper lake. The Fence, which is wood with vertical slats (stockade type), is approximately 6 to 6-1/2 feet high, provides significant noise protection from boat traffic and boaters going through the channel (see attached photo's) in summer and from snowmobile traffic in winter. It also provides significant visual privacy for our back yard and side yard from passengers on boats and snowmobiles going through the narrows. Other private property on the narrows channel have similar fencing. We understand the Fence was initially built to provide privacy and noise protection. Elimination of the Fence would significantly reduce the value of our property. 2.Located directly across from our property is the Tonka Bay Fishing Park (see attached photo). The Park allows for fishing along the East side of the narrows channel from under the Narrows Bridge all the way to the Northeast point of the narrows (all other property on the narrows, including ours, is private and are non-fishing areas). The Fence provides noise protection and visual protection from people fishing in the Park. The Fence also assists in the enforcement of posted no fishing zones on our side of the channel. The Park is heavily used and crowded with people fishing throughout the summer. Elimination of the Fence would reduce the privacy of our property, increase noise levels, and accordingly, reduce the value of our property. We respectfully request approval of this applica granting of an appropriate variance.