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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 16,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Knutson stated three acres with that contour is a hardship. <br /> Thiesse stated he will not argue that the topography is a hardship to an extent but that the applicant also <br /> has a portion of land where the structure could possibly go. <br /> Landgraver stated he will change his vote to advance it to the City Council. <br /> Thiesse moved,Schoenzeit seconded,to recommend denial of Application No. 17-3976,Scott and <br /> Laurie Knutson, 795 Ferndale North,based on the fact that there appears to be an opportunity for <br /> a reconfigured building to be located on the plateau of reasonable size and that there is a neighbor <br /> that voiced opposition to the proposed location. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 2, Schwingler and Leskinen <br /> opposed. <br /> 10. #17-3978 ALEXANDER DESIGN GROUP ON BEHALF OF TRAVIS HANSBERGER, <br /> 1720 SHADYWOOD ROAD,VARIANCES,9:33 P.M.—9:45 P.M. <br /> Kathy Alexander, Architect, was present along with Travis Hansberger,Applicant. <br /> Oakden stated the applicant is requesting a rear setback of 24.8 feet, hardcover of 33.98 percent lot area, <br /> and lot width variances in order to build a new single-family home. The applicant is proposing to demo <br /> the existing home and construct a new single-family house. The house was signed to meet the structural <br /> coverage of the lot at 20 percent but the applicant is requesting a hardcover variance to allow for adequate <br /> driveway space and a patio. The existing lot has 35.74 percent hardcover and the new proposed home <br /> would have 33.98 percent. <br /> In addition,the applicant is requesting a rear yard setback for the principal structure of 24.8 feet where 30 <br /> feet is required. Lot area and lot width variances are also required. The existing home is nonconforming <br /> to the 75-foot setback as well as the average lakeshore setback. The house has been designed to meet <br /> those City standards,which has resulted in the home being pushed further to the rear of the lot. The <br /> applicant is also proposing to move the driveway access along Shadywood Road. Since it is a county <br /> road, it would require approval through Hennepin County. <br /> The applicant is proposing to place the principal structure 24.8 feet from the rear property line where 30 <br /> feet is required. The existing garage is located two feet from the rear property line and the home is 52 <br /> feet from the rear property line. The applicant oriented the home to meet the lake yard setbacks,which <br /> are at a curve due to the nature of the lakeshore and caused the structure to be moved closer to the <br /> rear/street side of the property. <br /> Staff finds that there are practical difficulties inherent to the land and the orientation of the existing home. <br /> The existing home is built at the tallest elevation on the lot. The topography then slopes down and away <br /> from the principal structure on all sides creating many slopes and hills on the property. The home also <br /> has septic and a wetland to the east and their well to the west of the principal structure. The addition <br /> would create a 15-foot setback from the rear property line. The encroachment does not appear to <br /> adversely impact the adjacent properties. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the requested variances if the Planning Commission finds the practical <br /> difficulties reasonable. A recommendation for approval should be contingent upon the applicant <br /> Page 27 of 32 <br />