Laserfiche WebLink
. � � <br /> I� <br /> WARI�EN HOME RESTORATIOl`TS, INC <br /> PO BOX 417 EXCELSIOR,MN 55331 � <br /> 952-474-6798 fax 474-6698 . <br /> May 26,2006 <br /> TO:City of Orono <br /> Planning Staff <br /> Planning Commission <br /> City Council <br /> RE:Zoning Application#06-3204 for Chad and Julie Lindbloom <br /> Property at 2690 Rainey Rd <br /> Dear Madams and Sirs <br /> We wish to uiform you of the developments leading up to the variance request for this property. <br /> The Lindblooms contracted with a well-lrnow local architect,Ben Nelson,to design the improvements for <br /> their home.As he has designed several substantial homes in the City of Orono,he is very familiar with <br /> many of the City's zoning requirements. Prior to beginning his preliminary design work,he contacted the <br /> City to determine if there were any requirements unique to this property.The infonnation he obtained at <br /> that time indicated that there were not,so he proceeded with his design work. <br /> After the Lindblooms approved a conceptual design,they contacted us to develop the plans and malce the <br /> proposed improvements.As is our policy,prior to completing the working drawings,we also met briefly <br /> with the City to verify tbat the proposed improvements were in compliance with City requirements.Based <br /> on information from that meeting,the Lindblooms elected to have the plans completed for Permit <br /> Application.Additionally,site preparations were begun,including tree removal and re-location of septic <br /> tanks.You can imagine their chagrin when it was discovered that the Building Permit could not be <br /> approved because of the existence of the road easement on Outlot C that required a sideyard setback <br /> drastically different than previous information suggested. <br /> We are apprising you of this,not in an attempt to assign responsibility,but to explain the history of the <br /> development of this request.Both we and the architect followed ordinary procedure in the ongoing <br /> progression of the proposed improvements. We also understand how the City Staff may not have been <br /> aware of the existence of this easement since it appears that it is not filed against the properly it affects but <br /> only against the Homeowners'Association in general. <br /> After we discovered this issue,we met with Ben Nelson in an attempt to redesign the project within the <br /> required parameters.It was at this meeting that we determined that other design approaches were not valid. <br /> Improvements toward the South,or front of the house,are not possible since that would require complete <br /> rebuilding of the home to create a usable floor plan.Additionally,garage improvements towards the West <br /> were not reasonable due to the existing topography as well as the fact that the existing garage is on the East. <br /> After much consideration we concluded that the approach originally developed is the only reasonable way <br /> to improve the property. <br /> Thank you for your consideration of this matter. <br /> Mark Warren <br /> VP ' '� <br /> 1Nf-IRI <br />