06-12-1989 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File #1391 April 13, 1989 Page 2 of 3 3. It is clear that low elevations on the neighbors' property cause him potential basement water problems due to run-off from applicant's property. The neighbors entire lakeshore yard appears to be between elevation 930 and 931, very near lake level. Construction of the retaining wall as proposed, along with a swale just in from applicant's lot line at the top of the wall, will help direct drainage away from the neighboring property. In order to accomplish this, a portion of th retaining wall will have to be located in the 0-75' zori6 • 4. City Engineer Glenn Cook has reviewed the site with the applicant and suggests that the wall be shortened up somewhat from applicant's proposal. The applicant feels that shortening it to the extent suggested by the Engineer may not solve the maintenance problems associated with mowing such a steep dropoff. Discosslon - As part of construction of this residence in 1984, applicant did some necessary grading in the 0-75' zone to protect neighboring property from drainage problems, however that grading was not completely effective in keeping drainage off the neighbors' property, and resulted in a steep bank applicant has a problem mowing. Th© issue in this case is whether the City will allow structure and fill in the 0-75' lakeshore setback zone. The Engineer feels that the area where the -^all is proposed at 3' to 5' in height can be moved back to approximately the setback of the neighbors' deck, to help reduce the visual impact of the wall. This will leave a somewhat angled slope rather than the uniform slope from side to side that the applicant hopes to obtain. The other concern visually, is that if the wall is just inside the lot line as proposed, it cannot be adequately screened by the applicant since any bushes he would plant would be on the neighbors' property. Also, where the retaining wall exceeds 30" above the lower grade, there is the concern that some type of shrubbery should be planted as a barrier to keep people from walking off the edge. Applicant notes in his letter of request that with the wall in place he will then be able to plant trees along the lot line without blocking his view. As the grades currently run, he could not expect trees to grow on the slope that exists, and would have to place them from 5 to 15' int%- the lot at the crest of the existing slope. ^ Applicant will not be at the meeting due to business conflicts, but requests your review of the application since he is attempting to coordinate obtaining fill from the Berrys, who are going to be constructing a new residence directly west of the applicant this spring. Holding the application back for a month may eliminate his opportunity to obtain excess fill from the Berry project.