08-24-1987 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD AUGUST 24, 1987 #1182 LISA AND MARTY DIETRICH— BLOCKER CONTINUED 1986 without requiring a survey. He now is requesting to replace the remaining foundation area and is required to submit a survey and obtain a variance which is costly to him in addition to wasting two months working time for this procedure. Mayor Grabek directed staff to check in the matter of digging footing holes and review the application to determine if a fee adjustment is appropriate. #1183 JACK SWENSON 3020 NORTH SHORE DRIVE AFTER— THE —FACT VARIANCE City Administrator Bernhardson explained the request for an after - the -fact. hardcover variance to allow the construction of a stairs and deck platform within 75 feet of the shoreline extending from the dock over the rip -rap area onto the shore. This structure apparently replaced a similar sized existing structure. Generally, council has not allowed structure within 0 -75' noting that the only exceptions have been in areas of steep 'topography, a 4' wide walkway has been allowed for safe access. Jack and Kathryn Swenson were present for this matter. Jack Swenson explained the rip -rap contractor had destroyed the existing platform. In replacing the platform, 'they were not aware that a permit was required because they believed it was just work on the dock. He felt that their situation is unique and would not set a precedent if approved. He noted that his property consists of 550 feet of channelshore and 278 feet of lakeshore which puts a significant amount of area within the 0 -75' zone. (The proposed increase in hardcover is less than 1 %, and the total hardcover in the 0 -75' setback is less than 1%.) Because of the channel, the location for the safe dock is restricted. He noted that the neighbors are in favor of the structure and submitted a petition. He feels that the platform is a beautiful structure that is consistant with the neighborhood. He does not feel that these unique conditions would be found in other circumstances, therefore not setting any precedent. Kathy Swenson asked the Council to consider the aesthetic value of their structure. She stated that they understand the need for codes to protect the lakeshore. She stated that there are so many unattractive things on Lake Minnetonka needed out of necessity for recreational purposes such as marinas, lights, boat launches, cranes. She hopes that the aesthetic values are not lost through these restrictive codes.