06-14-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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V'ariance Requests for Hensons 2166 Shadywooci Road As part of a home remodeling project, we are requesting two variances from Orono--a lake setback variance and a hardcover variance. We propose to build an attached garage on the street side of the house and a deck on the lake side with access through our living room via atrium doors. The hardships we cite are as follows; The only access we now have to the lake side area of our home takes us within four feet of our neighbors lot line (on the north side). We practically walk into their yard, giving us and them no privacy. In addition, our living room currently has only one window that opens. And, because o<"the high water table in our yard, lawn hirniture sinks into the soggy ground, causing many near accidents for our guests and family. Our current garage is located several hundred feet from the home. Access is inconvenient, especially wdth small children in the winter. We have very limited turn-around ability in our current driveway and many times are forced to back directly into County Road 19. Realizing that the proposed deck would encroach on the 75-foot setback area, we are proposing to eliminate the tennis court, except for a driveway that would provide access to the house. In addition, we would eliminate the shed on the north side ot our property as well as all brick walkways and patios on the property. Brick is located adjacent to the tennis court, on the south side, north side and near the lake. We plan to replace all of this hardcover with grass. By eliminating all brick, we would more th^ offset the square footage of the deck we have proposed (please note that the deck size has been reduced from lO-feet by 25-feet to 8-feet by 25-feet). There is very little additional hardcover that we could remove. We feel it is necessary to keep our existing garage and access due to the lack of storage areas we have. Our home has limited storage space and a wet basement, due to the water table. The shed currently allows us storage of fireplace wood as well lake equipment, lawn furniture and lawn tools. By eliminating the shed, we lose substantial storage space. In addition, we own three cars, one of which currently sits outside and is easy prey for thieves and mischief. City staff has had discussions with Planning Commission members since our presentation. One individual suggested that we put in a patio. However, we have been advised that because the ground is so wet (high water table plus street run-off on both sides) a patio would only be stable if excavated and put in a sand base. And even then, the pafio may not be stable as this same procedure was done to install the brick walkways, which have J