10-19-2025 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - PC Packet

Home Browse Search

Scott and Ingrid Erickson 1840 Shadywood Road Orono, MN 55391 Honorable Mayor and Members of the Plan Commission Re: Variance Request for 1840 Shadywood Rd – Hardcover Variance Dear Mayor and Members of the Commission, We are writing to respectfully request a variance for the replacement of our home at 1840 Shadywood Rd, a property we have owned and cared for more than 20 years. Our family has established deep roots in this neighborhood, and we are committed to maintaining its character while updating our home to meet the needs of our family. We have worked carefully to design a home that is modest in size and scale, appropriate for the lot, and respectful of the surrounding homes. Our property has three unusual characteristics that create a practical difficulty in meeting current hardcover requirements: 1. Lot Shape and Driveway Requirement Our lot is unusually long and narrow, requiring a very long driveway that accounts for nearly as much square footage as the house and garage. Along this section of the street, our property is the longest and narrowest, while most adjacent lots are wider and shorter, providing them greater flexibility for structure placement and coverage. 2. Existing Nonconformities and Setback Improvements The existing home, deck, and paving sit directly against the northern property line, with paving extending into the setback to access the lake. Our proposed design brings the new home fully into compliance with all setbacks. The paving along the side for grill access encroaches four feet less than the existing condition, and we are removing the remaining deck and paving within the setback. This configuration has existed since 1952, long before current zoning standards, yet we are voluntarily improving conformity where possible. 3. Topography and Elevation Challenges The property not only narrows but also rises nearly 11 feet from the street to where the adjacent homes are located. To preserve lake views and align with the elevation of neighboring homes, the proposed house must remain in a similar position. Moving it further from the lake would lower its elevation, causing neighboring homes to obstruct views and disrupting the natural grade of the lot. Our proposed design does not increase the existing hardcover, which has remained unchanged since we purchased the home more than 20 years ago. At the time of purchase, we were unaware that the paving and hardcover slightly exceeded the current ordinance. The new home will modernize the 112 PC Exhibit C