Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Packet 5/19/2025

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Date Application Received: 04/02/2025 Date Application Considered as Complete: 04/17/2025 120-Day Review Period With Extension Expires: 08/15/2025 To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Matthew Karney, Planner Date: 19 May 2025 Subject: #LA25-000016, Charles Cudd Co., 2545 Dunwoody Avenue Conditional Use Permit – Public Hearing Background The applicant proposes a new retaining wall system to provide direct stair access and a tramway to the lakes over a steep grade. They proposed to replace an existing wooden stairway and stone walls near the lakes which are in declining condition. They propose a lengthened straight stair to the lake and a parallel track for a proposed tram with straight, two (2) foot-wide retaining walls extending along the base of the slope. The new walls have a larger footprint and visual impact than the existing condition. Additionally, a wall is proposed on the upslope side of the proposed sand blanket in the rip rap. Note, a building permit for a new single-family home is currently in review for the property, no variances are required for the new home. The applicant has obtained a Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) permit for Shoreline and Streambank Stabilization, Sand Blanket, Floodplain alteration, and Erosion control, which should address the proposed projects at the property. MCWD Permit 25-144 is attached as Exhibit G. Conditional Use Permit Analysis: The applicant has provided a site plan showing proposed conditions, hardcover, and wall cross sections. Compared to the existing conditions, the proposed walls are in a new location, and have a larger footprint as the stair has been lengthened extended upslope to allow for more gradual descent to the lakeshore. The proposed walls are shown to be one (1) foot tall (near sand blanket) to up to six (6) feet tall (near southern corner of property). A conditional use permit (CUP) is required in instances where new walls are proposed or replacement walls are proposed that are greater than four (4) feet in height the lakeshore setback. As proposed, a CUP is required for the proposed retaining walls. Section 78-305 & 78-1279 – Setbacks: Application Summary: The applicant requests a conditional use permit for new retaining walls within the 75-foot lakeshore setback. Staff Recommendation: Planning Staff recommends denial as applied. LR-1A District Required Existing Proposed Lakeshore 75’ N/A ~8’ Proposed Retaining Wall System 9