Notice of council action - variance request-2009

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Council Exhibit A September 8, 2009 Melanie Curtis Planning and Zoning Coordinator City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, MN 55356 Re: Proposed Fence for the John & Joan Brooks residence 905 Ferndale Road West, Wayzata, MN 55391 Dear Melanie, As you requested, we are providing a summary of the request by John & Joan Brooks to build a fence at their property at 905 Ferndale Road. We look forward to meeting with you and city council members on Monday, September 14th at 7:OOPM to review the proposed fence drawings in greater detail. The Brooks' main reason to build a new fence at this location is that they feel the existing fence has become a blot on the landscape, particularly compared to the rest of their property and to the property edge treatments of their neighbors along Ferndale Road. The fence has been in place as long as anyone can remember (at least 30-40 years), and is associated with the design of a home that has been gone for nearly 25 years. The homeowners wish to replace the fence with something that is similar to other elements/structures on the property and more in keeping with the way neighboring properties have treated their property edges along Ferndale Road. Following is a summary of the proposed fence as it relates to current zoning ordinances. 1. Fence Location. The current fence is located approx. 4' from the edge of the asphalt along Ferndale Road. We are proposing moving the fence back to 10' from the edge of the asphalt along Ferndale. There is a 25' right of way along Ferndale, however, site conditions on the property are such that there is a large drop-off to a low lying area on the property approximately 12' from the road edge. The 25' right-of way runs through the middle of this low-lying area. This area floods during the spring snowmelt season, as well as during large summer rain events. The property between the street and the house is also very wooded. Placing the fence at the edge of the right of way would not make sense in this instance. We have reviewed the proposed location of 10' from the asphalt edge with Don Debar, the city of Orono street supervisor and he was in support of the proposed placement and feels that moving the fence 6' further from the street would be an improvement in regards to snow removal when compared to the existing fence being 4' from the road edge.