02-17-2026 Planning Commission Regular Meeting

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Date Application Received: 01/20/2025 Date Application Deemed Complete: 02/10/2026 60-Day Review Period Expires: 04/11/2026 To: Chair Ressler and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Matthew Karney, Planner Date: 17 February 2025 Subject: LA26-000003, The Landschute Group o/b/o Leigh Johnston Hull 2245 French Lake Road Variances — Public Hearing Application Summary: The applicant requests variances for structures and hardcover within the 150-foot lakeshore setback for a proposed pool and patio. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the variances. Background French Lake is classified as a natural environment (NE) lake where the lake setback from the ordinary high-water level (OHWL) is 150 feet. The property received variance approvals for the development of the property in 2023 with (LA23- 000047, Resolution 7174), including a new house, and a pool/patio area adjacent to the house. The house is currently under construction and the applicant is requesting to modify the previously approved site layout to move the pool/patio area from southwest to south of the house. The current proposal involves the pool/patio area only, and the retaining walls from the original plan will be installed following the original approval. The new pool/patio is proposed to be closer to the OHWL than the 2023 variance approval. However, based on the reorientation of the improvements hardcover in the lakeshore will be decreased. Practical Difficulties Analysis ADDlicant Submittal Information: The lot has a shallow building envelope with the zoning and shoreland setbacks applied. The original pool location was in between the house and septic system, and modifications to the septic system are needed given its elevation. The new pool/patio location is no further lakeward than the original patio that existed prior to the 2023 approvals. Additionally, the new pool/patio location decreases the overall site hardcover from the original plan. Planning Staff Practical Difficultv Analvsis: The building envelope and topography of the site are challenging from a development perspective. Overall, hardcover is decreasing within the shore setback zone, despite the pool/patio area moving closer to the lake. Compared to the existing conditions of the site prior to variances being granted in 2023, the proposed pool/patio relocation results in minor lakeward encroachment to accommodate the necessary improvements to the septic system, which is in its original location as well. The applicant should provide additional testimony regarding the proposed changes to the site and landscaping improvements from the lake view. 34