08-13-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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To:From: Date: Mark E. Bernhardson, City AdministratorMichael P. Gaffron, Asst Planning & Zoning Administrator August 9, 1990 Subject: Hardcover Standards List of Exhibits Exhibit A - Survey of Hardcover Ordinances Exhibit B - Diagrams Relating Various Ordinances We have conducted a survey of the hardcover ordinances of all of the Lake Minnetonka cities, the cities abutting White Bear Lake, and certain other cities with significant lakes in the metro area. The findings were not surprising, but do indicate that Orono indeed has a unique hardcover ordinance. Of the 14 Lake Minnetonka cities, only 2 did not respond to our request. Of the 12 for which we have information, 5 have hardcover regulations. These 5 are Wayzata, Shorewood, Minnetonka Beach (all of which allow 30% of the total lot area to be hard surfaced), Minnetonka (allows 30% of the 0-150' zone to be hard surfaced with a 50' setback from the lake) and Orono (with our incremental hardcover zones). In the White Bear Lake area, the cities of Birchwood, Dellwood, and White Bear Lake all have a "30% of total lot area" impervious surface limitation. This 30% limitation has also been adopted by Eden Prairie and Plymouth. A few of the other Lake Minnetonka cities have "lot coverage by buildings" standards. Minnetrista is at 20% of the lot area covered by structures. Greenwood allows 30% of lot area covered by structures. Woodland allows only 0% covered by structures. The Department of Natural Resources in their proposed Shoreland Regulations would limit impervious surfaces to 25% of the total lot area. The DNR informs me that many of the cities who previously adopted a 30% standard are opposing the idea of having it dropped to 25%. Having discussed our ordinance with many contractors who work throughout the Lake Minnetonka area, with the DNR Division of Waters personnel, and now having reviewed other cities ordinances, I am convinced that Orono's hardcover restrictions are by far the most restrictive in the area. In researching many of the documents which resulted in Orono's wholesale rezoning in 1975 (which included the adoption of our current hardcover regulation), I have been able to find no documentation that technically supports or proposes the specific percentages and incremental zones which Orono adopted. One can look at this as the City Council being farsighted and putting Orono in the forefront of lake protection. One can also look at it as being excessively restrictive, inconsistent with restrictions imposed or proposed by the DNR and surrounding municipalities, and leading to the need to grant excessive umber of variances because an unusually high percentage of properties in the City do not or c'nnot conform to the standard.