04-21-2025 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - Packet

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Date Application Received: 02/26/2025 Date Application Considered as Complete: 03/25/2025 60-Day Review Period Expires: 05/24/2025 To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Melanie Curtis, Planner mcc Date: 21 April 2025 Subject: #LA25-000010, Ashley Mehbod, 2625 North Shore Drive, Variances Public Hearing Background The home on the subject property was constructed in the 1920’s; it has been remodeled over the years. The existing home is situated 30.2 feet from the lake where a 75-foot setback is required. The applicant requests variances to construct a new 234 square foot open porch/covered terrace where a 55 square foot roofed porch currently exists resulting in new building footprint and hardcover within the 75-foot setback. The new porch addition is proposed on the west side of the home, 44.6 feet from the lake, approximately 7 feet closer to the lake than the existing porch. The current home is 30.2 feet from the OHWL. The applicant is proposing to remove 210 square feet of existing sidewalk to offset the addition. Accounting for the proposed removals, the project will add 24 square feet of hardcover to the 75-foot zone. Practical Difficulties Analysis Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has identified the nonconforming location of the home within the 75-foot setback as the primary practical difficulty supporting the requested variance(s). Additionally, they have provided supporting documentation regarding Practical Difficulties, Exhibit C, and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: The home was constructed nearly 100 years ago, well before our current setback requirements. At the time, the large wetland on the property likely dictated the original placement of the homes in this area including the applicant’s home. Staff finds the practical difficulties inherent in the location of the existing home; its current proximity to the lake may support the requested variances. The variances requested for the proposed porch addition may be reasonable considering that the new porch will replace a slightly smaller porch in this location, and it will not change the overall character of the neighborhood. The new porch will not encroach closer to the lake than the existing home, will conform to all of the other required setbacks, and will be screened by existing vegetation from the western neighbor and the lake. Application Summary: The applicant requests a lake setback and a hardcover variance to support the construction of a new covered porch. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval. 12