04/21/03 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,April 21, 2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#9 #03-2887 MINNETONKA CUSTOM HOMES INC., Continued) In addition, Chaput acknowledged that the Planning Commission may choose to further reduce hardcover in the 0 to 75' hardcover zone by requesting that the two existing decks be reduced to the permitted 32 s.f. landings. Mr. Sexton stated that it was not their intention to go over the 1,500 s.f. structural allowance and that they would be able to stay within that number if they could move the house off center slightly. He admitted that they could decrease the size of the decks,but maintained that the landings were necessary for safety. He felt their hardship hinged on the size of the lot and the proximity of the bluff. He pointed out that they had gone to great lengths to minimize the driveway and sidewalks given the size, and even had incorporated a tuckunder garage. Mary and Gary Everson, 4755 North Shore Drive, stated that the existing house is an eyesore and they would support the new construction. They noted that the current garage is too close to the roadway and is a safety concern. Marilyn Crawford, 4745 North Shore Drive, questioned whether the new construction would obstruct their views of the lake or sunset. Sexton indicated that the home would not impact the average lakeshore setback. Fritzler maintained that the applicants need to maintain the 10' side yard setback. Bob asked if they could lengthen the home in order to achieve the 10' side yard setback. Chair Smith agreed that they would have to hold them the 10' side yard setback and 1,500 s.f structural coverage limitation. Gaffron stated that it is the City's goal to allow for a full length car to park safely in the driveway. He felt the applicant could be allowed to move forward 1' further into the bluff encroachment and 3' towards the roadway to accommodate 10' side setbacks and not lose building area. Fritzler moved, Mabusth seconded,to recommend approval of Application #03-2887, Minnetonka Custom Homes,4753 North Shore Drive, granting lot area, lot width, and a rear yard setback variance of 19', reducing the decks in the 0-75' setback to meet the permitted 32 s.f. landings, a hardcover of 46.8% in the 75'-250' setback variance, a 10' side yard setback be maintained, furthermore allowing a 14'setback from the top of the bluff where 30' is required, and placing fill in a bluff where no fill is permitted, subject to the City Engineer's report, Hennepin County recommendations, and the staff conditions contained in the memorandum dated April 17, 2003. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PAGE 38 of 40