09-15-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 18, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 26 of 33 Leskinen stated she has no concerns with the proposal except for requiring a landscape plan for the stair area. Landgraver moved, McGrann seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 14-3680, Natural Landscape Minnesota, Inc., on behalf of Brad and Pat Cleveland, 4315 North Shore Drive, granting of a conditional use permit, subject to the submittal of a revised landscape plan for around the stairs and subject to any recommendations of the City Engineer. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 10. #14-3681 BY THE WOODS, LLC, ON BEHALF OF DON AND JANE HOUCK, 1535 FAIRVIEW COTTAGE LANE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE, 8:53 P.M. – 9:01 P.M. Laura Wood of By The Woods, LLC, was present. Curtis stated the applicant, on behalf of the property owners, is requesting a conditional use permit approval to conduct minor land alterations within 75 feet of the lake. A new house is currently under construction on the site. The work involves the removal of some existing timber walls, re-grading of the slope in those areas, installation of a short lake access stair with low walls, a boulder replacement wall located just above the riprap, replacement of a timber wall, and installation of boulder outcroppings. During the Staff review a hardcover variance to exceed 25 percent was identified as the hardcover numbers did not balance out to 25 percent. Staff and the applicant have discussed that item today and the excess hardcover was not the intent. Hardcover will be adjusted to meet the 25 percent limitation. A hardcover variance is still required to permit the boulder wall and the boulder outcroppings within the 75-foot zone. The applicant is proposing to re-grade the areas to eliminate the need for the additional upslope walls. Curtis indicated one wall runs the width of the lakeshore and will be replaced with an in-kind boulder wall. A small portion of the slope on the west side requires the use of some boulder outcroppings and plantings to stabilize the area. The applicant has provided a listing of plants to be installed, which should result in a natural looking slope. Staff did review the proposal against the conditional use permit criteria and provided an analysis within the Staff report. Staff believes the proposed grading within the 75-foot setback will have no impact on surrounding lands and the proposed grading has been designed to minimize environmental impacts. In addition, a screening plan has been provided to screen the improvements from the lake. Planning Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for the earth work within the 75-foot setback area to construct the lake access stair, install boulder outcroppings, remove the existing timber retaining walls, and install the boulder wall. Staff recommends approval of the hardcover variance regarding the replacement boulder wall, stair, and outcroppings within 75 feet of the lake. All of the hardcover improvements should be screened with vegetation as proposed. Curtis noted there is not a request to exceed 25 percent hardcover, so a denial motion is not necessary as indicated in the Staff report. The applicant should provide revised plans prior to placement on the City Council agenda reflecting the hardcover meeting the 25 percent limitation. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 09/15/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes [Page 26 of 33]