04-26-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File /^1809 April 13, 1993 Page 2 Description of Request The applicants request variances for lot area, front setback, and side setback in order to reconstruct their home, which was severely damaged by a fire early ihij year. The applicants propose to totally replace the resident near its previous location in order to limit the loss of mature trees. Review of this variance request reveals that the entire Fox Hill Subdivision was developed in 1965 prior to the incorporation of the current LR-IA zoning district standards. This subdivision consists of lots approximately 1 acre in area many of which have existing homes that do not meet the current setback requirements. None of these lots can be developed or rebuilt on without a lot area variance. The applicants have supplied preliminary plans of a new residence for your review. The proposed residence maintains the existing substandard front yard and side yard setbacks, 35’ and 25’ respectively, while increasing the floor plan by 460 s.f. plus a 170 s.f. gazebo. The totol hardcover for the proposed reconstruction is 7,860 s.f. or 16.4%. Although there is an increase in hardcover of 2,200 s.f., the 16.4% hardcover is well below the 35% limit in this zone. The proposed floor plan will resu't in the loss of an Ohio Buckeye tree north of the proposed residence, but the Silver Maple will be saved. It should also be noted that the gazebo iS proposed 5’ ^rom the residence, while a 10’ setback is required. As this parcel lies within 1,000’ of the ordinary high water level of Lake Minnetonka, the newly adopted Shoreland Regulations require that the existing septic system be confinncd as conforming. A site inspection performed by S-P Testing revealed that the existing system lies in mottled fill soil and is not a conforming system. Therefore, soil testing and septic system design has been completed and approved by the City for a 3-bcdroom home. The proposed drainfield site is within 50’ of existing well, which must therefore be relocated in order to maintain the required setback. Also, no suitable site is available for a: alternate drainfield site. The new septic system will be oversized as much as the site will allow to increase the longevity of the system Hardship Statement The applicants are limited by an undersized lot and mature vegetation. The lot is 1.1 acres in a 2-acre minimum zone with no additional property available. The unusual shape of the parcel and the mature maple tree adjacent to the residence restricts its relocation further to the west.