03-20-2017 Planning Commission Packet

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f FILE#17-3917 20 Mar 2017 Page 3 of 6 approximately 6 feet higher than the existing grade and will be set back 75 feet from the OHWL, the proposed home will be 98 feet from the OHWL. Additional Site Plan Comments (Sec. 18-136,78-1405&78-1681) Driveway—The City Code requires driveways constructed to a minimum width consistent with the total width of the overhead garage doors.The current garage plan reflects 3 overhead doors with driveway paved to serve only two.The driveway will need to be modified. Additionally, properties on an arterial or collector roadway must provide a turnaround on site with minimum dimensions of 8 feet by 12 feet. It appears the applicants have attempted to accommodate this turnaround within the right-of-way. City Code limits the driveway curb cut width to 20 feet within the right-of-way.This driveway is shown at 20 feet with the allowed radius flaring, however the driveway widens to 30 feet within the right-of-way.The portion of the driveway within the right-of-way must be reduced to meet the Code requirement of 20 feet maximum.The proposed driveway must be revised to meet the Code and hardcover levels updated to reflect the required driveway dimensions,etc. Privacy Fence—The site plan reflects a privacy fence along the eastern side street property line. Staff assumes "privacy fence"equates to a six foot tall fence which is the maximum height permitted within the setback area.The proposed fence crosses the property line and encroaches into the Hennepin County right-of-way.This must be revised. The only neighbor comments received at the time of printing were from an off lake neighbor who expressed concerns about the potential for the applicants to plant additional trees along the eastern property line resulting in elimination of the existing limited view of the lake for this neighbor. While this neighbor's lake view is not protected,the applicants should provide a landscape plan detailing tree removals and planting. Hennepin County Right-of-Way—The applicants are proposing grading,which would assume tree removal, and driveway changes within the Hennepin County right-of-way. Hennepin County should review the proposed plans, permits may be required. Engineered Design for Retaining Walls—Retaining walls 4 feet or greater in height must be designed by a licensed professional, and plans must be submitted to the City for review prior to the approval of the permit. Tiered walls are considered one wall unless they are separated by at least twice the height of the higher wall. Governing Regulation:Variance(Section 78-123) In reviewing applications for variance, the Planning Commission shall consider the effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety and welfare of the community, existing and anticipated traffic conditions, light and air, danger of fire, risk to the public safety, and the effect on values of property in the surrounding area. The Planning Commission shall consider recommending approval for variances from the literal provisions of the Zoning Code in instances where their strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and shall recommend approval only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Orono Zoning Code. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.