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<br />The following outlines our ra1onale for our variance applica1on concerning the property at <br />1359 Park Drive, Orono. This project, entailing the demoli1on and reconstruc1on of a home on <br />its exis1ng footprint, presents a unique set of circumstances that we believe strongly jus1fy the <br />approval of our request. <br /> <br />The property in ques1on is dis1nc1vely narrower compared to others in the neighborhood, a <br />characteris1c most pronounced at the loca1on of the current home. This unusual configura1on <br />significantly constrains the poten1al for development, dicta1ng the necessity of a two-car <br />aHached garage due to space limita1ons. The existence of a detached garage, though <br />contribu1ng to a higher impervious surface area than typically allowed, is an essen1al <br />component of the property, serving crucial storage needs that the main structure cannot <br />accommodate. <br /> <br />Our proposal takes into careful considera1on the balance between respec1ng the exis1ng non- <br />conforming structures, such as the deck and pool, and the impera1ve to adhere to local zoning <br />ordinances. While we are constrained from improving the setbacks for these structures, our <br />plan includes reaHaching them to the new home in a manner that aligns with their current <br />configura1on, thereby maintaining the integrity and character of the property. <br /> <br />Furthermore, the project offers significant environmental and neighborly benefits. We are <br />commiHed to reducing the overall impervious surface on the property, a step forward in <br />sustainable land use. This reduc1on includes the removal of a por1on of a retaining wall that <br />currently encroaches on neighboring property, thereby rec1fying a longstanding boundary issue <br />and enhancing neighbor rela1ons. <br /> <br />A key aspect of our proposal involves maintaining the current posi1oning of the home. While <br />moving the structure closer to the street could poten1ally reduce the driveway length and <br />impervious surface area, such a reloca1on would result in the home being posi1oned behind <br />neighboring homes, subsequently obstruc1ng cherished views of the lake. The current <br />placement of the home, therefore, represents a prac1cal difficulty that underpins our variance <br />request. <br /> <br />In summary, our proposal for 1359 Park Drive is borne out of prac1cal challenges unique to the <br />property's dimensions and exis1ng structures. We are commiHed to a development approach <br />that is environmentally considerate, respects neighborhood character, and addresses prac1cal <br />difficul1es inherent to the site. We believe that this variance is not only reasonable but <br />necessary for the realiza1on of a project that aligns closely with community values and planning <br />objec1ves. <br /> <br />The following points outline our posi1on in alignment with MN §462.357 Subd. 6(2) and City <br />Code 78-123: <br /> <br />17 <br />PC <br />Exhibit D