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Nd <br /> � <br /> � <br /> BEVE� <br /> LAN�SCAPING <br /> October 10, 2005 <br /> Ciry Planning Department <br /> City of Orono <br /> Post Office Box 66 <br /> Crystal Bay, MN 55323 <br /> Dear Orono City Planning Commission and City Council Members; <br /> I am writing in regard to the entrance gates at the LaFavre Residence, at 1535 Bohns <br /> Point Road, which were a topic in a recent workshop meeting set to clarify the codes set <br /> for entrance gates and how they would apply to this particular project. In subsequent <br /> conversations with Councilman Bob Sansevere and City Planner Janice Gundlach, I have <br /> been informed that the gate height has been set to 6 feet tall from grade, as a result of this <br /> meeting. As a representative of this project, I would like you to know we are in the <br /> process of discussing the current situation, and the best way to resolve it given the <br /> difficult scenarios we face. <br /> As outlined in previous letters addressed to the Planning Commission and Council <br /> members, we did not have the knowledge that the code which formerly determined the <br /> height of entrance gates is interpreted from Section 78-1405, item 7b., where it discusses <br /> "fences," rather than in Section 78-1405, items 8 and 8h.1-3, where it speaks specifically <br /> about "entrance monuments" and "gates" without any mention of height requirements <br /> other than the eight foot restriction on the monuments and any"appurtenances." <br /> Therefore, the literal interpretation of the codes as currently written appear to state that <br /> gates are to be less than eight feet in height or do not have a specific height restriction. <br /> This notion was also reinforced by the fact that over 15 other properties nearby in the <br /> Orono community have gates with a finished height similar to our design. As a result, <br /> this portion of the project was set in motion with the eagerness of the homeowners to <br /> have this project completed during the 2005 construction season, as no other security <br /> measure for the property was in place as this property has experienced a high number of <br /> people walking or driving though uninvited, and two instances of vandalism. So, as <br /> concise and honest as can be, this summarizes what has led to this situation today. <br /> Now, we are faced with uncomfortable decisions that may ultimately have a critical affect <br /> on the small businesses and shallow pockets involved with this project. Hopefully among <br /> the resolutions, we can humbly ask for you to consider of a variance in this unqiue <br /> instance, factoring in the specific needs of the property and its security issues. � <br />