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Reasonable Use of the Property <br />Property Address: 860 Brown Rd Orono, MN <br />PID:1011723120001 <br />Zoning District: RR-1B <br />Variance Requested: Average Lakeshore Setback Line Waived <br />The applicant is requesting a variance from Orono City Code § 78-1279(6) (as amended by <br />Ordinance No. 313) - Average Lakeshore Setback to allow The proposed new home to comply only with <br />the 75' lake setback from the OHWL and not the "Average Lakeshore (Sightline) Setback". The proposed <br />request is necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property while remaining consistent with the intent <br />of the zoning ordinance and the City of Orono Comprehensive Plan for rural residential. <br />The applicant is proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner that is not permitted under <br />the strict application of the Average Lakeshore (SIGHTLINE) Setback requirement. The requested variance <br />is necessary to allow the placement of a single-family dwelling in a location that aligns with the established <br />lakeshore setback pattern of adjacent properties while maintaining compliance with environmental <br />standards, including the 75-foot OHWL setback and the 35-foot wetland buffer. <br />Although the property is not directly on the shoreline of either Tanager Lake or Lake Minnetonka <br />and located on wetlands surrounding the tributary of Long Lake Creek, the variance is necessary to <br />provide a reasonable building location due to the City's classification of this RR-B1 parcel as a lakeshore <br />property. The lot straddles Long Lake Creek and has no direct lakeshore frontage other than the OHWL <br />associated with the wetland adjacent to the tributary. Without the variance, placement of the home would <br />be artificially constrained to 4.9% of the 14 acre parcel, preventing a reasonable layout consistent with the <br />character and development pattern of the surrounding area, as there is no actual sightline to protect <br />neighboring views on this property. <br />For the reasons stated above, the requested variance meets the City of Orono and Minnesota <br />statutory criteria for practical difficulties. The variance allows a reasonable use of the property, is <br />consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, maintains neighborhood and rural character, respects <br />environmental protections, and aligns with the intent of the zoning ordinance. Approval of this variance is <br />respectfully requested. <br />15 <br />