12-09-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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' MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,December 9,2013 6:30 o'clock p.m. (8. #13-3636 LIXIAO WANG, 3059 FARVIEW LANE— VARIANCES, Continued) Bremer noted the City has had applicants with one-car detached garages who have requested attached garages, and that the City tends to be very strict with properties located on the lake and encroaching onto the average lakeshore setback. Bremer stated if the other members of the City Council were supportive of the garage addition without the deck, she might be more open, but that she has not heard that type of support so far. Wang stated they asked the City prior to purchasing the property if it would be possible to add on to the garage. Wang noted the previous property owner constructed an elevator in the garage which prevents them from parking a car in that stall. Wang stated the City indicated to them that it is possible to add on to the garage so they went ahead and purchased the property. Wang stated they have done everything the City requested, including connecting to the city sewer, and that they are asking for a little addition on to the garage so they can fit a small car in there. Wang stated the difficulty they are experiencing is that their daughter has to drive a car that is frozen and has to be cleaned of snow. Bremer commented that is a life difficulty. Bremer stated she also lived in a house with a single car detached garage and that one of the reasons she moved is because of the small garage. Bremer indicated her current garage is only a two-stall garage. Bremer noted this property is in a very restricted zone by Lake Minnetonka and that the City Council has to protect the lake and uphold the restrictions wherever possible. Bremer stated she understands the applicant's daughter may be upset if she is not able to park her car inside the garage. Wang stated the elevator takes up space so they are not able to utilize that portion of the garage. Wang stated he would like to increase the functionality of the garage. Levang asked where an accessory garage could be constructed on the property. Curtis stated on a lakeshore property, a detached garage less than 750 square feet can be located ten feet from the road and the rear lot line when the doors are facing away to the side. If the structure is between 750 to 1,000 square feet, it has to meet a 15-foot setback. Curtis pointed out the location of the hill and indicated a garage could be constructed in that area. Bremer noted a number of trees would be lost if a garage is constructed there. Curtis indicated the garage could also be pulled toward the house somewhat. McMillan commented a garage in that location would be more intrusive to the neighbors. Bremer asked what the elevation of the road is. Gaffron indicated it is at 959 at the road and that it would be about a 25-foot drop. Page 13 of 35