Agenda Packet Cc - regular meeting 6/27/1988

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15. Granting of the lot width and area variances would allow development that, in and of itself, is not out of character with the neighborhood, but which would alter the essential character of the neighborhood by increasing the physical and visual density of the area. 16. Granting of the requested variances would decrease light, air, and open space for neighboring properties, and would result in increased urban impact on Lake Minnetonka, which would not be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the LR-1B zoning district and the provisions of the Orono Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Urban Land Use Policies *10, 11, and 12, which read as follows: 10. THE DESIGN AND DENSITY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT WILL BE CONTROLLED TO ASSURE PROTECTION OF LIGHT, AIR, AND SOLAR ACCESS FOR NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES. Requirements for minimum lct size, amounts of open space, minimum yard setbacks, and maximum building heights will be designed to assure protection of these values for all urban residents. 11. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF NATURAL WOODLANDS AND OPEN SPACE WILL BE RETAINED ON EACH PROPERTY. Retention of the natural environment requires careful siting and preservation of trees and open space on each urban property. 12. LAND USE STANDARDS WILL LIMIT THE IMPACT OF URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON LAKE MINNETONKA. Minimum lot widths will spaceout docks and structural encroachments while increasing areas of natural vegetation. Lake use regulations will limit the number of boats per property and the amount of public waters available for private docking and boat storage. 17. The applicant has stated that one of his hardships is the fact that he and his wife have health concerns which limit their ability to ..,,,''—ain their existing residence on the adjacent Property. However, indivi'ual health concerns do not constitute a hardship to the property in the context of granting or denying variances to land use controls. 18. The p-operty is of such a limited area that development of a principal residence structure and the appurtenant accessory improvements such as garages, sidewalks, driveways, decks, etc. is not feasible witiin the hardcover limitations imposed by Municipal ,oning Code Section 10.22, Subdivision 2. It has been a standard and consistent practice of the City of Orono that when lot area variances are granted for substandard vacant Lakeshore properties, no hardcover variances are normally allowed in conjunction with such lot area variances. Page 4 of 6