03-19-2012 Planning Commission Packet

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FILE#12-3548 " 14 March 2012 � Page 2 of 4 • Sec.78-1605.Wetland buffer areas. • Sec. 78-1606. Permitted uses. � • Sec.78-1608.Standards. Background The Orono Schools recently received funding from the MCWD to construct walking trails with raised observation platforms along the edge of the wetland surrounding Lake Classen which is classified by the DNR as a Natural Environment(NE) lake. General Development(GD) lakes such as Lake Minnetonka require a 75-foot structural setback; NE lakes require a 150-foot setback for structures. Additionally, in order to further the school's environmental learning program the applicant also requests approvals to construct a 1,254 square foot open-sided pavilion or shelter adjacent to the wetland edge. The platforms and the pavilion are shown within the 150-foot lake setback. The platforms were constructed and installed over the fall. The applicant's narrative (Exhibit B) outlines the background of the environmental learning program as well as their variance and CUP request in more detail. Variances to allow the pavilion structure to be constructed within 150 feet of the OHWL for Lake Classen, approximately 20 feet from the delineated edge of the wetland and within the buffer are requested. The wetland surrounding Lake Classen is classified as a Preserve wetland requiring a 50-foot buffer and a 20-foot structural setback from the buffer. The applicant requests the City approve the variances for the.plan as proposed. Because the school is a � conditional use within the RR-1B residential zone permits issued for new structures must first be approved by the Council through the CUP process. The applicant has also indicated they intend to implement a tree planting or landscape plan in the area of the pavilion in cooperation with a grant from the TreeTrust organization. Lake Setback Variance Lake Classen's Natural Environment classification requires structures meet a 150-foot setback from the 974.5' contour(OHWL). The applicant's survey does not show the OHWL contour;staff has attempted to show approximately where the contour falls for discussion purposes. Prior to City Council review the applicant should provide a revised plan and survey which shows the 974.5' OHWL contour line. Including the two future observation platforms, the applicant is requesting approval to allow the 1,964 square feet of new hardcover on the property in or very near the 0 to 75 foot zone. Using the survey and aerial photos, staff has roughly calculated the property's 0 to 75 foot zone area to be 98,000 square feet. The proposed structures would account for approximately 2% of this area. They are also proposing to remove 17,250 square feet of a gravel parking lot area in conjunction with the project (see Exhibit E).The parking area is outside the 0 to 75 foot zone. It is not likely the observation platforms or the pavilion will have a significant visual impact when viewed from Lake Classen due to the amount of vegetation along the shoreline/wetland. Wetland Buffer&Buffer Setback Variance The applicant's request for setback variances to allow observation platforms along the wetland edge and an open pavilion set back 20 feet from the wetland edge may be reasonable when considering the unique purpose for the structures and the specific need to be within a close proximity of the wetland/lake. The observation platforms are constructed on metal deck block type footings that sit on top of the ground surface for minimal impact. The pavilion would