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Past approvals have considered the overall hardcover on this lot assuming the southerly 0-75' <br />setback, excluding the traveled area of Baldur Park Road, is added to the total area of the 75-250' <br />setback. If the Planning Commission feels the same conditions apply to this latest variance request <br />it could be assumed the same consideration may be requested on lots similar in character throughout <br />the City. Although this condition only applies to a small percentage oflots in Orono. <br />Surrounding Properties <br />Applicant's lot is larger than most other lots in the neighborhood. It also is the highest lot in the <br />neighborhood. The character of this neighborhood has evolved over the last 15 years as small <br />summer cabins have been replaced by year round homes. None of this upgrade has occuned by <br />combining two properties, so the applicant's existing double lot is somewhat unique. The proposed <br />house would not be substantially greater in footprint area than other homes in the area. <br />The house is similar in height to other homes along Baldur Park Road. The lake elevation (Exhibit <br />D) shows a two story building with the lowest story being part of a walkout. It is the understanding <br />that no grading within 75' of the north lakeshore has be applied for. Both recent applications have <br />not allowed any grading within the lake setback. Grading within 75' of the north lakeshore would <br />not preserve the existing natural appearance of the lot. The Comprehensive Plan discourages any <br />changes to the natural grade along the lakeshore. Walkout entrances toward the lakeshore also <br />expose more of the structure to lake users and thus promotes an unnatural appearance. <br />Issues for Consideration <br />1. The applicants hardship statements are attached as Exhibit B. The amount of hardcover <br />requested with this latest proposal is slightly greater than the two most recent approvals. <br />However, this application has the least amount of driveway hardcover in the 75' lake setback. <br />The hardcover has been replaced with a larger house than the most recent proposal. <br />2. The plan appears to not direct new stormwater flows toward the neighboring properties. It <br />would also be helpful to know whether the grading plan requires any impo1iation or <br />exportation of fill, or if it's balanced between cuts and fills. Any approval should require the <br />standard erosion control requirements. The intent of the property owner is to lower the house <br />slightly which will soften the view of the house from the lake. <br />3. The proposed hardcover on the property is slightly greater than the two most recent <br />approvals. The total hardcover proposed on the property 5,738 s.f. is 25% of the total land <br />area within the southern 0-75' setback added to the 75-250' setback. <br />#2559 Gilbert Gehle <br />1392 Baldur Park Road <br />Variances <br />2/23100 <br />Page4