09-21-2009 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE t , ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,August 17,2009 6:30 o'clock p.m. Staff feels there is simply too much hardcover on the properiy. Although the property has not exceeded Orono's structural coverage limitation there are too many structures,too many patios,walkways, etc.,on such a small property located so close to the lake. The proposed additions aggravate the nonconformities on the property rather than offer a solution to the hardcover overages. Furthermore, Staff cannot find any permits or variances which allow the numerous hardcover landscape areas and structures on the hardcover variance approval is required to exceed the allowed levels. The illegal deck constructed in 1988 continues to be an illegal nonconforming structu�e. This deck should be addressed prior to issuing any permits to this property. �� .,�. Jim Morris,Builder, stated what they are attempting to accomplish witli tli addition is to create a small -� �:,��;� family room off of the back of the house because the current house,`�i'as no ba ement and consists of ,. '�+. �r��=� approximately 700 to 800.square feet. The majority of the hardcover�is in walkways,,patios, pathways, �., � and random rocks. The waterways collect runoff from the alley o the southern side of.the property. There is a large amount of runoff due to the fact that the rea of the property is appro imately ten feet ��-�, � �r-� higher than the front of the property. There are also some"catch basiris>located in the fronf°:of t�ie house to collect runoff. Morris noted a portion of the hardcove i cludes areas�h t�are necessary�rlielp with the runoff and they would like to maintain that rather than have t�o`"c eate�wales. �� Curtis noted the landscape rock and membra:would count as hardcov.e�r regardless of what it is used for. �"`�.�:..r:.., �� Berg requested the applicant illustrate the hardcover�area that will be remo��ved� � �� Morris illustrated how the water runs off of the road do�mto the property. A portion of the existing shed and a portion of the patio is being reduced,with,fhe walkway�being simplified. Morris stated a portion of the brick patio i�s'�.'also bei�g e�iminated,which will bring the hardcover down to 35 percent. Morris illustrated the a" rea�"of�lie rock with rubber membrane underneath it. �� , . .;�:,�'""`�.�.�'.:�''�_.. Berg asked whether�that rock and membrane wou�1�d be removed. �� Morris stated they are not.proposmg that be removed. The house was constructed in the early 1900s,and e��s' '�. •;:�, . '�. .,,�..-.g' the�hree feet of landscapmg�consisting of rock and rubber membrane help divert the water between the structure ou�`into a plantmg ea� The p operty experiences a significant amount of runoff from Crystal Bay Road. =" Monis stated h�. � t e setback variance request deals w�th the front porch and deck. The home has a single door on the lakeside�'`"arid'their design is to create a covered walkway to allow a side entrance. The corner ��x�� of the covered deck wo�i lci' rotrude into the side yard setback. Morris stated the existing deck is a lot larger than what would�e�in and would be reduced by approximately four feet. Curtis noted the distance between the proposed covered porch at the closest point to the other existing home is less than 10 feet and the City has a required setback of 10 feet,which would require another side setback variance. Morris stated the main addition of the house would contain a stairway and would eliminate the spiral staircase in the middle of the home. The addition of the family room would project out to the dividing line between Minnetonka Beach and Orono,which would require a setback variance. The corner of the PAGE 10