07-16-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July 16,2001 (#01-2697 Larry And Sharon Gehl,Continued) The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. Weinberger stated the application was for variances to permit a two-story addition to the existing house, which includes a first level garage and second level above the garage for living space. The addition would be 8' from the side property line where a 15' setback is required because of a platted City right-of-way(undeveloped)down to Lake Minnetonka. The standard interior lot line setback is 10' in the LR-1C district. He noted that the property owners have designed the project to meet the hardcover requirements and will be removing an existing garage and the necessary driveway in front of that garage. Weinberger added that the Park Commission has been looking at the long-term use of the right-of- ways to the lake,which are public land in the City. The City has had a policy that these right-of- ways would not be vacated, with potential uses including pedestrian access to the lake or snowmobile access. The Park Commission has not determined the future use for this particular right-of-way. Staff would recommend approving a 10' setback to the interior property line where 15' is required. The 8' setback encroaches into the standard setback because a corner of the house is located 8' from the property line. Weinberger asked the Applicant and/or his builder to comment on the need to have an 8' setback rather than 10' or 15'. Hansen explained that he had been working with the Gehls for some time on various plans. They found the best solution was to demolish the existing garage and attach a new garage to the existing house. Odd angles for the house would be created by maintaining a 10' setback since one corner of the house is already located 8' from the property line. Mrs. Gehl stated that the City-owned property between the two homes is a low point in the neighborhood and becomes flooded during heavy rains. She felt the City may not be able to put the area to a good use because of the flooding conditions. She added that their current garage is only 4' from the property line;therefore,the proposed addition improves the setback situation to 8'. They have tried to work with the existing foyer and access to a three-car garage while saving a large tree. Mr. Gehl stated they had tried to upgrade the existing garage but found it would be better to remove it. He noted that his neighbor believed he owned the 15' right-of-way and had been maintaining it. He also pays additional insurance because the right-of-way is in the flood plain. The neighbors have no objection to the proposed improvements. There were no public comments. Stoddard stated that he was pleased that the Applicants were improving the setback situation. He asked if Gaffron had any concerns about the City's future use of the right-of-way. PAGE 9