HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 6663CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 6663
A RESOLUTION
GRANTING VARIANCES TO
MUNICIPAL ZONING CODE SECTION 78-420
FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3580 WAYZATA BLVD WEST
- FILE NO. I6-3832.
WHEREAS, The City of (hono, (hereinafter the "Owners") are owners of the
property located at 3580 Wayzata Blvd West within the City of Orono (hereinafter the "City") and
legally described as follows:
That part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 32, Township 118
North, Range 23 West, Hennepin County, Minnesota lying northeasterly of the following
described line:
Commencing at the North Quarter corner of said Section 32; thence on an assumed
bearing of South 00 degrees 32 minutes 12 seconds East along the West line of the said
Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter a distance of 165.00 feet to the POINT OF
BEGINNING of described Line; thence South 20 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East a
distance of 400.00 feet along the easterly right-of-way line of Trunk Highway No. 12
(B23 to B16224) per MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAT NO. 27-162, according to the recorded plat thereof (Document
No. 8519996), Hennepin County Records; thence southeasterly along the northerly right-
of-way line of Trunk Highway No. 12 (B16224 to 135) per MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAT NO. 27-163,
according to the recorded plat thereof (Document No. 8519997), Hennepin County
Records for the following three (3) courses: South 35 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East
a distance of 500.00 feet, South 55 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East a distance of
400.00 feet and South 78 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East a distance of 612.72 feet
to the East Line of the said Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter and there
terminating.
Subject to a permanent wetland easement as delineated on said MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAT NO. 27-163.
Subject to easements & restrictions of record, if any.; and
Page 1 of 6
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 666 3
WHEREAS, the Owners made an application to the City for variances to Orono
Municipal Zoning Code Section 78-420 in order to allow the construction of fencing with a lake
setback of 70 feet where a 150 -foot setback is normally required; and with a wetland setback of
10 feet where a 35 -foot setback is normally required; and
WHEREAS, on June 20, 2016 after published and mailed notice in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes and the City Code, the Orono Planning Commission held a public hearing, at
which time all persons desiring to be heard concerning this application were given the opportunity
to speak thereon; and
WHEREAS, on June 20, 2016, the Planning Commission on a vote of 5-0
recommended denial of the variances as presented; and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2016, the Orono City Council reviewed the application
and the recommendations of the Planning Commission and City staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Orono, Minnesota
hereby approves the requested variances as described above based on one or more of the following
findings of fact concerning this property:
FINDINGS OF FACT:
Al. The analysis contained within staff memos and the exhibits attached to the aforesaid
memos, all minutes from the above mentioned meetings, and any and all other materials
distributed at these meetings are hereby incorporated by reference.
A2. The Property is located within the RR -1B Single Family Rural Residential District which
requires a minimum lot area of 2.0 acres and a minimum lot width of 200'.
A3. The Property is 2 1. 8 acres in area, being 1,700 in width at the Ordinary High Water Line
A4. The Owners are planning to construct a series of fences for a planned off leash park. The
fences are intended to blend in visually to the environment. These fences are located to
avoid impacts to existing trees, topography, and incorporate existing improvements,
including some trails.
A5. The Owners are requesting a number of variances as a portion of the fence system will
encroach into the lake yard on the east side of the property, and into the wetland setback/
buffer area in the south east corner of the property.
Page 2 of 6
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 66 6 3
A6. The Owners have made several modifications to the plan since the Planning Commission
review. The wetlands have been delineated, the fences do not encroach into the wetland,
the fence has been removed from the buffer area of the wetland in the NW corner of the
site. Further, to address concerns given by neighboring properties, the fence has been
pulled south from the north property line.
A7. In considering this application for variances, the Council has considered the advice and
recommendation of the Planning Commission and the effect of the proposed variances
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.
VARIANCE ANALYSIS•
B1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance. The intent of
the ordinance is to maintain a rural, natural character adjacent to the lake. The fence is placed to
minimize impacts to the lake, and is of a design intended to blend into a rural character.
B2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The global intent of the Comprehensive
Pian is to maintain a certain character of the City, while establishing minimum standards for health,
safety, and general welfare of residents. The fence proposed is consistent in character with
minimal lake impact, and accomplishes certain health, safety general welfare goals identified by
the City by offering expanded recreational opportunities.
B3. The applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties.
a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by the official controls; The property is currently a park. The improvements proposed
are consistent with a park, which is a permitted use (publically owned parks and
playgrounds).
b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The
fence location is preferred to avoid invasive work within the wooded area. The trees
were not planted by the property owner.
c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The fence design is
intended to blend into the park character which is rural. The fences are designed to
blend into the landscape and will be minimally visible from the street and off the
property.
Additionally City Code 78-123 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be granted as
follows:
Page 3 of 6
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 666 3
84. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such
property or immediately adjoining property. The property is used as a public park. This
classification is peculiar to the subject parcel and not applicable to other lots in the zoning
district.
135. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which the
land is located. The unique conditions do not generally apply to other land or structures in the
district. The majority of land developed within the wetland and shoreline districts are single
family residential. Approving a variance for public park improvements would not apply
directly to other land uses.
66. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right of the applicant, The ordinance provisions were drafted primarily to
apply to the predominant land use in the city, single family residential. Applied to a park use,
the enjoyment of the property is threatened because the ideal park and open space
incorporates vegetation, slopes, wetlands, and water features. The fencing proposed is the
minimal amount necessary to grant relief from the ordinance while preserving a substantial
right of the property owners.
B7. The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health, safety, comfort or
morals, or in any other respect be contrary to the intent of this chapter. The fence as proposed
will not block views from neighboring properties, and due to its design and distance from the
lake, will not be visually impactful from the lake. The fence is not located along the northern
property line, further negating any impact to these property owners and maintain wildlife
passage.
BS. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but
is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. Location of the fence at the setback and at the
necessary height is not merely a convenience, it is the planned efficient use of city resources
to create a desirable experience for park users.
CONCLUSIONS, ORDER AND CONDITIONS
Based upon one or more of the above findings, the Orono City Council hereby grants
variances to Orono Municipal Zoning Code Section 78-420 in order to allow the construction of
47 inch high, woven wore fences with metal or wooden posts within the150' lake yard and within
the 35 foot wetland setback and buffer area, subject to the following conditions:
1. Council approval is based on the survey/site plan submitted by the Owners and annotated
by City staff, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A. Any amendments to the approved
survey/site plan and building plans which are not in conformity with City codes will
require further Planning Commission and City Council review.
Page 4 0£ 6
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 6663
2. Authorities granted by this resolution run with the Property not with the Owners, but are
permissive only and must be exercised by completing the fencing work described in
Exhibit A within one year of the date of Council approval, or the variances will expire on
that date (August 22, 2017).
4. Violation of or non-compliance with any of the terms and conditions of this resolution
shall constitute a violation of the zoning code, shall automatically terminate any authority
granted herein, and shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
5. The undersigned Owners have read, understand and hereby agree to the terms of this
resolution and on behalf of the Owners and the Owners' heirs, successors and assigns,
hereby agree to the recording of this resolution in the chain of title of the Property.
Adopted by the Orono City Council on the 22nd day of August, 2016.
W—K-M W
(4a_Azej�� - . -
Diane Tiegs, City Clerk
Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
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6663
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