10-09-2023 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 9,2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. small and it is difficult to entertain without an outdoor living space. She pointed out the original approval in question was nearly 20 years ago and things have changed. It was more of a financial consideration to hold off on the deck then. She said she was just trying to build a house that was livable. Veach asked about a deck reconfiguration. Holzem said that would not work because of a lower level patio door. She said the Planning Commission wanted her to talk to the Lake Minnehaha Watershed District. She did and was told she did not require permits because her request would be not detrimental to the creek. She said a neighbor was given a variance to build a garage that is closer to the creek than her deck would be.A neighboring lot is larger but has 48 percent hardcover. She said she is trying to be honest and do this the right way. Walsh stated it's always tough when people decide to build a house and want to maximize the house and don't put in a deck and then later owners ask where is the deck.However,this is an extremely small lot. Johnson said the issue for him is not so much lakeshore setback but that the lot is already over the hardcover limit. Walsh said that is a problem in the community in that very small lots end up with higher hardcover.On the other hand,the City wants homes to be functional and to have enjoyable outdoor living space.He asked if there were other hardscapes she could eliminate on the property. Johnson said she could get a credit for replacing her front walk with a pervious surface. Holzem said she has a single-car garage but a double driveway to eliminate street parking. She asked if they are saying she should tear up her driveway and front walk. She said the stair off the deck is needed because she has no second exit in case of fire. She said she would be willing to remove four feet on the west end of the deck so it would end up being a 16-foot by 14-foot deck. Veach said she believes middle ground is where the solution lies and she would support a slightly smaller deck. It was pointed out there is a path with stepping stones and that is adding to the hardcover.Nye said that could be looked at. The stone walk in the front is only 53 square feet,Nye said. Benson said she is agreement with Johnson in not wanting to add to the hardcover. Veach said she is confused by the amount of hardcover allowed a neighboring property. Nye said it was a replacement of a dilapidated garage but that goes way back. Walsh agrees there is a middle ground but houses need to be liveable.He said if she could remove the stone walk around the side and reduce the deck to 16-feet by 14-feet that would be a compromise. The driveway and front walk is needed,he said. Crosby moved,Veach seconded,to ask staff to bring a resolution for approval of LA23-000046, 3407 East Lake Street,Variance with the stone walk removed and a 16-foot by 14-foot deck. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 1 (Johnson). Page 3 of 10