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cmattson@ci.orono.mn.us <br /> mcurtiss@ci.orono.mn.us <br /> April 26, 2012 <br /> Dear Melanie and Christine, <br /> Thank you for meeting with me this morning, regarding 3465 Crystal Place involving the 'structural dwelling' <br /> permit request I submitted. When I returned from an out of town funeral, I was informed two city workers <br /> came to my property and asked my workers to stop the platform project I had them replacing. Several weeks <br /> ago, as you recalled, I came to Orono to request a deck permit and I submitted detailed plans then. However, <br /> since learning of the cost and time issues surrounding those deck plans, I decided not to move forward with <br /> any new deck project. Instead, I now want to replace the existing platform with just new materials and I want <br /> to avoid adding new hardcover. As defined by Orono, a structural platform requires a $50 permit fee. Since <br /> we are not adding new hardcover and we are not building a deck, we were surprised to be told to stop <br /> working. <br /> Given our research on Orono's definition of a deck versus a structural dwelling, and as defined in the State of <br /> Minnesota codes on unattached platforms; I had no reason to believe this project would be placed on hold. <br /> According to Orono building codes- I now realize I need a structural permit, even though we are not building a <br /> deck. And since this platform is not attached to anything and will be less than 30" high, and since we are not <br /> adding new hardcover to the property or adding new encroachments reading setback issues—then it was our <br /> belief that we were within Orono's zoning and building rules. So we came to Orono today to get the structural <br /> permit only to be informed we may have to wait up to two weeks for a review. <br /> Lyle already reviewed this project, in person, on April 25, 2012. Lyle clearly saw for himself, as it was also <br /> explained to him, that an existing platform was being removed and new materials were replacing the old <br /> platform. Lyle reviewed that there are no new encroachments and no new hardcover issues to be considered. <br /> And since the new materials are being placed within the existing hardcover and since there are no properties <br /> across the street, only green space and trails, we had no reason to believe this would cause grave concern <br /> with Orono. I have not added something that was not already there to begin with and all the neighbors are <br /> incredibly happy with the work I am doing. So I had no reason to even think I was encroaching or taking away <br /> anyone's property rights. We just spent the past six months renovating and reconditioning and pulling <br /> permits and complying with state and local codes, so now it is unfortunate to learn how a tiny little platform <br /> issue is suddenly holding up the completion of this beautiful renovation project. In addition, this permit delay <br /> and the stop work request has now caused a safety issue with the unfinished platform with regard to the <br /> neighborhood. Please advise what I am to do now. <br /> Your time and attention is greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing back from you as soon as <br /> possible. I also would like an immediate response to the unfinished platform safety issue we discussed earlier <br /> today. Please contact me at 612-590-0520. Thank you for time this morning. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Renee Laleman <br />