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• � NIINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLAN1vING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 19,2011 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> setback. The 70-foot setback extends into the middle of the existing home. It should be noted that the <br /> new dining room addition partially encroaches into this setback as well. <br /> The applicants are requesting a variance from the required 70-foot setback in order to construct the garage <br /> addition. They have proposed the creation of a native planting area and rain garden in order to mitigate <br /> the potential negative impacts from the proposed encroachment. The rain garden would be located along <br /> the south property line to separate and treat storm water from the property before it reaches the wetland. <br /> They are also proposing to create a 2,500 square foot native planting improvement along the eastern,rear <br /> property line to offer additional buffer bene�ts. The proposed native planting area will include the <br /> "lrnob" of wetland on their property where their existing sump pump discharges to offer additional <br /> treahnent opportunity in this area. <br /> Staff finds practical difficulties are present due to the location of the existing home and its proximity to <br /> the adjacent wetland. The required 70-foot wetland and buffer setback extends into the middle of the <br /> existing home making modifications to the home outside of the existing footprint impossible without <br /> variances. An existing drainage swale area cuts from the east to the west across the northern portion of <br /> the property and is an additional limiting factor on the buildable area of the property. If the property were <br /> vacant today,the buildable envelope would have a high impact on the shape and location of the existing <br /> home. <br /> The applicants'request is consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed addition will meet <br /> the required side yard setback. The proposed addition will only add an additiona1425 square feet of <br /> structural coverage to the property,resulting in a total of 7.6 percent structural coverage. The Planning <br /> Commission should determine if the addition of a garage stall with living space above falls within the <br /> definition of practical difficulty. <br /> The Planning Commission should consider the following issues: <br /> 1. Does the Planning Commission find that the properiy owner proposes to use the property in a <br /> reasonable manner which is not permitted by an official control? <br /> 2. Does the Planning Commission find that the variance,if granted,will not alter the essential <br /> character of the neighborhood? <br /> 3. Does the Commission find the applicants'proposed mitigation methods sufficient or is it <br /> necessary to impose additional conditions in order to mitigate the impacts created by the granting <br /> of the requested variances? <br /> 4. Does the Planning Commission find it necessary to require easements over the proposed rain <br /> garden and wetland mitigation area to protect the areas in perpetuity? <br /> Planning Staff recommends the applicants be required to comply with the City Engineer's <br /> recommendations as well as requirements from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District as part of any <br /> approvals. <br /> Thiesse asked if the sump pump would drain to the rain garden. <br /> Page 2 <br />