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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-2023 Planning Commission PacketPUBLIC ATTENDANCE MEETING DATE l/lZd 2-3 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMISSION PARK COMMISSION OTHER Assistive Listening Device available upon request Please complete the following information for City Records Name (please print) L� v 5 7 la 12. Address C� Present for (from agenda) Name or Number o l CXi cv 'Q —.r Agenda Planning Commission Meeting Monday, November 20, 2023, 6:00 P.M. Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 / www.oronomn.gov Sign up for email notifications at www.oronomn.gov – follow links for Stay Connected & Email Notification Audience Members: Information regarding each of the Agenda items is available on the City website (www.oronomn.gov) under Agendas Minutes & Videos and in the Public Packet – located in the lobby near the entrance. Applicants will be asked to move to the lectern to answer questions after staff presents the application. The Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. If action is taken on any items on this agenda, they will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. A quorum of the City Council may be in attendance of a Planning Commission meeting to hear comments made, though no action or deliberation of the Council will occur. Council Representative: Dennis Walsh Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes: October 16, 2023 Public Hearings: 1. LA22-000045 Ellette Anderson and James & Melissa Easley, 1250 Spruce Place & 1260 Spruce Place, request vacation of the adjacent unimproved right-of-way of “Lake Street”. (Staff: Melanie Curtis) 2. LA23-000060 Brian Benson, 3600 Casco Avenue, requests variances for average lakeshore setback and hardcover to exceed 25% for the construction of a new home. (Staff: Natalie Nye) 3. LA23-000061 Outdoor Excapes, 2601 Casco Point Road, requests a 75’ lake setback variance for the construction of retaining walls within the lakeyard. (Staff: Natalie Nye) Other Items: • Peak Agenda Management Introduction • Update on November 13, 2023 City Council meeting. Adjourn Planning Commission Liaison to December 11, 2023 City Council meeting: Dennis Libby MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 11 ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Chris Bollis, Commissioners Mark McCutcheon, Dennis Libby, Jon Ressler, Ted Schultze and Bob Erickson. Commissioner Gary Kraemer was absent. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Laura Oakden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City Planner Natalie Nye. Chair Bollis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Libby moved, Ressler seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of September 18, 2023. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. LA22-000059 TOM RYAN, 2245 WATERTOWN ROAD, REQUESTS PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL TO CREATE ONE ADDITIONAL BUILDING SITE City Planner Curtis said the property owner is requesting preliminary plat approval to combine five separate PIDs into two buildable lots. The combined area of the property is 5.13 acres located within the RR-1B one-family rural residential zoning district. This application is not a subdivision. Rather, it should be viewed as a more formal boundary line adjustment (subdivision exception) due to the need to formally re-plat two of the parcels which are currently classified as “outlots”, she said. The wooded site includes a small drainage creek which the property owner is planning to reorient slightly. Work began on the drainage creek in the Fall of 2022 without proper City permits. The work was stopped, and the applicant has been working with Staff to complete the project through permitting. The property is not located within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA); the properties will be served by private onsite septic systems. The applicant proposes to retain the existing home on lot 1. Development of lot two is not proposed at this time. The application results in two conforming lots. The City’s Engineer has reviewed the plans for the preliminary plat and the applicant’s request for City resources regarding the ditch. There were no substantive comments regarding the plat. The City received two comments on this project. The comments were focused on the erosion from the unpermitted land alteration and downstream sedimentation which resulted from the unprotected ditch. Staff supports the approval of the preliminary plat subject to the City Engineer’s requirements. Staff further recommends that the applicant be required to remove the downstream sediment and obtain the proper permits for the drainage creek reorientation. Erosion control measures should be installed prior to the work and be maintained throughout the duration of the project until vegetation is established. Tom Ryan, 2245 Watertown Road, the applicant, said he thought they had approval to start the preliminary work on the ditch. He stated the erosion was caused by the roadwork done previously on Watertown Road. The addition of curb and gutter resulted in more water flow at that area, he said, adding MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 11 he has been there 33 years. He has worked with the Corps of Engineers and the Watershed District to come up with a plan to mitigate the erosion. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. Tom Major, 2200 Devin Lane, said he is the property owner to the south of this property so the ditch flows into his property. They have been there 37 years and had no problem until two to four years ago. Sand has raised the bottom of the ditch a foot or more. He asked if downstream effects of the project have been looked at. He said there is also a flood plain below that next to another property. The ditch is along the property line between the two houses. Heidi Hust, 2225 Devin Lane, said they have been in the house almost 20 years and the road project up on the corner was a huge disaster. The silt came down and destroyed everything, she said, adding she is a professional gardener and used to take her Girl Scouts down that area and the marsh has changed so much and a delta has formed. They have lost a half a dozen trees due to standing water. It is a deep ditch and has spread out everywhere. More than grass is needed on the side. The DNR should have a list of plants that will stop the erosion. Crawdads and other creatures are gone because of the silt. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:13 p.m. Ressler asked if the DNR is in control of the ditch. Curtis said the area is not identified as protected so it is a City action and a grading permit is required. Staff does recommend that the applicant remove any material caused by the work done last fall. McCutcheon said it seems that when there are big road projects there can be adverse reactions and this seems like one of those situations. He said the residents were looking for more information and asked if details could be posted for the public. Curtis said that is done with road projects but this is a private improvement. The City would not be responsible, but would make sure erosion control measurers were not removed until the plan is executed and vegetation installed. Bollis pointed out the application has the review of the City Engineer and several other agencies. Ressler noted the applicant has submitted a plan that includes everything that staff is recommending. It would be better to leave this in the hands of the engineers, he said. Libby said he is in support of the staff recommendations but is grateful for the extra information supplied by the applicant and the neighbors. He said the Planning Commission does not have the engineering expertise but that this will be reviewed by the experts. There is significant expertise involved in this. Tom Major said the Commission has been mainly talking about the project. He questioned what would happen downstream. He asked who is responsible for maintaining the ditch. Curtis said staff is recommending any sediment that is a result of the work last fall is the responsibility of the applicant to remove with permission of the adjacent property owners to enter their property. She said MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 11 all of the sediment is not the responsibility of the applicant. She said the ditch is the responsibility of the property owners unless it has a public easement. Ressler moved, Schultze seconded, to recommend approval of LA22-000059, 2245 Watertown Road Preliminary Plat with the conditions recommended by staff including removal of sediment and proper permitting and erosion control measures. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 2. LA23-000050 LUCID BUILDERS, 3359 CRYSTAL BAY ROAD, REQUESTS VARIANCES FOR LOT AREA, LOT WIDTH, 75-FOOT LAKE SETBACK, HARDCOVER, HARDCOVER WITHIN THE 75-FOOT LAKE SETBACK, AND REAR YARD SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT A NEW HOUSE City Planner Nye gave a presentation on the item, stating the property is substandard in size and width and has a building envelope that cannot accommodate a single-family home. Crystal Bay Road is located within the boundaries of the property. The area of the lot excludes the area of the road bringing the total area to 5,500 square feet. A minimum lot size for the LR-IC zoning district is 21,780 square feet. The width of the lot is 50 feet where 100 feet is the minimum requirement for the zoning district. The existing home on the lot is nonconforming as it relates to the required lake yard setback, side yard setback, rear yard setback and hardcover. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing home and build a new single-family home. The neighborhood along Crystal Bay Road has experienced many redevelopment projects in recent years resulting in the construction of many new single-family homes. Most of these homes have required variances, she said. The City Council and staff have been strict on the application of average lakeshore setback in order to preserve the uniformity of the street and preserve the neighboring views of the lake. Additionally, a 10-foot rear yard setback has been approved in previous applications. The proposed project meets the average lakeshore setback and maintains a 10-foot rear yard setback. The project also includes the removal of an illegal shed located to the rear of the house on Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) owned land. The applicant has identified the property’s substandard size and width as practical difficulties. The applicant added that the proposal will be in harmony with the neighborhood and the variances will allow for the construction of a modern home in a similar location on the lot. Staff agrees with the applicant’s assessment. The property is substandard in size and width and unique in that Crystal Bay Road is located on the property. The existing home on the property is nonconforming and the applicant is proposing to construct a slightly larger home in a similar location. The home is in line with the Average Lakeshore Setback consistent with the neighborhood. The increase in hardcover brings the overall hardcover to over 45peercent of the lot when 25 percent is the maximum allowed, due mainly to including a 2-stall garage where a 1-stall garage exists today and the widening of the driveway in order to support off-street parking for Crystal Bay Road. The project will meet the structural coverage limitations for the site. The proposed home will be built within 10 feet of the rear property line consistent with the neighborhood. Staff finds the request for the new home on the site in character with the neighborhood and reasonable use of the site and supports the variance requests. Planning Staff noted the property cannot use HCRRA corridor for any personal improvements and a shed currently in that corridor will be removed; pervious pavers or similar material must be used for any walkways or patios and stormwater mitigation such as gutters must be installed on the property. Ressler said it looked like the rear setback was improving by 3 feet but lakeshore setback was decreasing by 2 feet. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 11 Nye said the City has been strict about the 10-foot rear setback but because of the shallowness of the lots there has been wiggle room on the 75-foot setback. A representative of Lucid Builders, the applicant, showed photos of the existing neighborhood and a slide with the ages of the homes from the early 1900s to 2019 and showing the hardcover in the neighborhood, as well as a photo of the shoreline with the existing home and an artist’s rendition with the proposed home. He said the request is similar to other properties and in harmony with the neighborhood. Libby said the roof is about 10 feet higher than would be normal but due to a rise in grade at the back. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. Brandon Bolduc, 3365 Crystal Bay Road, said he is in one of the oldest original houses on the road. He said there are several tall houses on the road but this would be the first one that would protrude out and impede the view of the lake. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Schultze asked how the new house could impede the neighbor’s view of the lake. Nye said the average lakeshore line preserves that but there is more mass in the proposed house at the front and could impede some views from the side. The neighbor would still have the same view out of the front of their house. Ressler said he supports the staff recommendations for provisions like gutters and pavers. These lots are tight and building up is naturally going to happen. This application does not need a variance for exceeding height. He said he recognizes there could be a change in how the view is appreciated by the neighbors but it doesn’t seem to change the spirit of what is going on in that neighborhood. Bollis pointed out the hardcover is higher but less than the average on that street. He said he agrees with Ressler and also the safety of having room to turn cars around and go out onto Crystal Bay Rd. McCutcheon also said the height jumped out at him but it appears to be in character with the neighborhood. He said it is the toughest area for zoning in the whole City of Orono because of the small size of the lots. Commissioners said they would rather move the house back and not preserve the 10-foot rear setback and have the mass of the house further from the lake and the view of neighbors. Ressler moved, Libby seconded, to recommend approval of LA23-000050, 3359 Crystal Bay Rd, Variances as applied with staff recommendations. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 3. LA23-000051 KEPLINGER & KERANEN BUILDERS, INC., 2795 SHADYWOOD ROAD, REQUESTS LOT AREA, LOT WIDTH, HARDCOVER, REAR YARD SETBACK, LAKE SETBACK (LAKE AND CHANNEL), BUILDING ON FILL AND NOT MEETING A 15 FOOT FILL BENCH REQUIRMENTS WITHIN THE SHORELAND DISTRICT TO CONSTRUCT A NEW HOUSE MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 11 City Planner Curtis said the owners plan to build a new home on the existing footprint with a garage addition as well as other hardcover changes/improvements on the property. Their plans involve elevating the new home on fill to comply with FEMA regulations and bring the home up to modern standards with respect to ceiling heights resulting in an increase of mass within the 75-foot setback. As a result of the required fill and the changes to the structure of the home, the overall height is proposed to increase by approximately 14 feet over existing conditions. The existing home on the property is situated within the 75-foot setback from the Forest Lake Channel. There are hardcover improvements within the 75-foot setback (from the channel and the lake), and the home is nonconforming with respect to FEMA floodplain regulations relating to the low floor elevation and the adjacent grades. The applicant has identified the channel as the primary practical difficulty supporting the requested variances. Regarding practical difficulty, Staff finds that the existing conditions of the lot (the house elevation and location, the narrow width of the lot, and its location along the channel requiring a 75-foot setback) are practical difficulties supporting variances. Staff finds there are practical difficulties for the requested variances with the exception of the screen porch portion of the home within 13 feet of the channel. The increased height of this porch combined with the extreme proximity to the channel cannot be supported, she said. The applicant has the right to rebuild this portion of the home in-kind but staff does not find practical difficulty supporting the vertical expansion of the porch due to the close proximity to the lake. The applicant should redesign the porch to minimize the massing impact so close to the Ordinary High Water Level, she said. Ressler clarified that it will be necessary for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to review the plan as well. Erick Hill with Keplinger & Keranen Builders, Maple Plain, and two other representatives of the builder as well as the homeowner, the applicants, said they tried to design something that fit the neighborhood and blended in with the neighborhood. They were required to raise the house because of the flood plain. The lot is on the Narrows Channel and so heavily wooded you would not see the massing. A hedge will be added where necessary, but the massing will be completely hidden by the tree cover. The porch is in about the same place and at the same level of the house as the current home, but the house is being raised because of the floodplain. There is also a peaked roof. Ressler asked if the porch roof could be changed. Libby pointed out the pitch of the roof would result in a fair amount of water flow off the roof. He asked if there were other higher-level views of the location. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Bollis said he is in favor as applied and isn’t concerned about the porch. The massing isn’t within any neighbor’s view of the lake and they have been thoughtful about the design, he said. Ressler said they just had the discussion about going up on narrow lots and he would agree. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 11 McCutchenon said with water, a flat roof would not work out well and the roof line fits the look of the neighborhood. McCutcheon moved, Ressler seconded, to recommend approval as applied, including the porch roof, of LA23-000051, 2795 Shadywood Road, Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 4. LA23-000053 PILLAR HOMES PARTNER, INC., 3765 WATERTOWN ROAD, REQUESTS A FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A COVERED ENTRY City Planner Nye gave a presentation on the item, stating the property owner is requesting setback variances in order to construct new covered porch entry and cover two other entries on the existing home. The existing home is nonconforming to the setbacks of the RR-1A zoning district which requires a 100- foot front yard setback and 50-foot side yard setback. The existing home is situated 70 feet from the front property line and 16 feet from the side property line. The new improvements include a 43 square foot front porch over an existing stoop and two roof expansions over existing doorways. None of the entryways will protrude any closer to the property lines than the existing home. The property is not subject to hardcover or lot coverage limitations. The applicant has provided supporting documentation regarding practical difficulties. Staff finds the location of the existing home a practical difficulty. The existing home does not conform to the required setbacks and the proposed improvements do not extend beyond the closest point of the house. The proposed covered entries are very minimal and meet all other zoning requirements, she said. K.C. Chermak of Pillar Homes said the changes requested are pretty minimal as there is no foundation work. Water management was one of the driving forces. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Libby said this is pretty straight-forward. Staff has been diligent. Ressler said it was a better use of the property. Libby moved, Erickson seconded, to recommend approval as applied of LA23-000053, 3765 Watertown Road, Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 5. LA23-000058 TRIPP SNYDER, 1513 BAY RIDGE ROAD, TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS a) An Appeal of the staff interpretation of Section 78-1279 relating to this request. b) After-the-fact approval of setback variances to address expansions to a nonconforming deck MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 11 City Planner Curtis explained that in June the property owner submitted a building permit application to rebuild an existing 16’ x 24’ deck, in-kind. During the construction the City’s building inspector noted discrepancies between the previous deck and the deck under construction. The new deck had been elevated from the existing approximately 7-8 inches, so that the deck was even with the door threshold eliminating a step down from the home to increase safety. This small deck height increase within the ALS and side yard setback is considered to be an expansion of the volume of the deck within the setback. The previous deck did not have a guard rail. The newly reconstructed deck requires a guard rail following MN State Building Code Guidelines. The new railings would be an expansion of the existing deck within the ALS. The stair on the north side of the deck was reoriented. The previous stairs were set into the deck at the northeast corner and joined a set of stairs which were set into the grade. Due to the height increase the existing stair configuration would not be able to meet building code requirements. To address this the owner turned the stair 90 degrees toward the lake and widened the treads by 1 foot, 4 inches. A second staircase against the home on the south side of the deck was eliminated and the deck was constructed to abut the home. The owner has filed two separate applications, each requiring a public hearing. The first is an appeal of the staff interpretation of the deck stair within the average lakeshore setback (ALS); and the second is an after-the-fact (ATF) approval of an average lakeshore setback and side yard setback variance for the expansion of a reconstructed deck within the setbacks. Staff recommends the Planning Commission uphold the staff. The owner asserts that 78-1279(6) permits all stairs within the average lakeshore setback. Staff position is that because the stair in question is an integral part of the deck connected to the home, and not a stair to access the lake or a dock, it is not permitted within the average lakeshore setback. Bollis restated the facts of the application for verification. He said the first public hearing would be on the appeal process. Tripp Snyder, 1513 Bay Ridge Road, the applicant, said they have owned the house since 2007. His appeal on the staff’s interpretation is a reading of the code, which he quoted to the Commission. Staff interprets this section as applying only to stairs go down to a dock. He said the code in his opinion excludes deck stairs. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing on the code appeal at 7:41 p.m. p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Bolllis said traditionally in this section of code stairways attached to decks have been park of the principal structure but he tends to agree code was written to exempt stairways from the average lakeshore setback. If that is the case, they need to clarify but have no way of knowing what the original intent was. He said he intends to agree with the applicant. Ressler said he agrees the language needs to be cleaned up but he agrees with the staff interpretation of it. Libby said there have been many situations where they have applied this code and he cannot agree with the applicants. He supports the Commission’s previous decisions which have been upheld by the City Council. He said they have been consistent in advising the City Council on that. Ressler said he was prepared to deny the appeal and move on to the application. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 11 Bollis said the language clearly exempts stairways and doesn’t say attached. He said it is poorly written as it exempts all stairways. McCutcheon said precedent has been to treat stairs attached to decks as part of the structure. Curtis said the DNR was responsible for that wording. It is meant to refer to stairs going down to the lake. Libby said he still maintains that they have certain precednets they have to work with the language they have in front of them. Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to deny the appeal portion of LA23-000058 and encourage Staff to draft language to clarify the code according to the Staff interpretation. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 1 (Bollis). The applicant, Tripp Snyder, in speaking of the request for the After-the-Fact variance, said when they purchased the home the old deck was in place with no guardrails, only a bench around the perimeter. Their initial permit application had a different location for the stairs and it would have landed on the pre- existing concrete that the inspector said was not the right size. The landing led to concrete stairs going down to a fire pit. Changing the landing would have meant changing the stairs. They moved the stairs and the new configuration caused the need for a variance. The new stairs are ADA compliant so the safety issues has been mitigated and they come down to a wider landing which is safer than the original, he said. When their neighbor’s house was torn down and rebuilt the average lakeshore setback for his home was changed. Their new stairs are two feet closer to the lake than the old stairs. The increased height of the deck was also a safety issue because there was an 8-inch height differential between the threshold of the door and the step down to the deck. He said now you walk straight out onto the deck without any difference in height which is safer for residents in their 70s. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing on the variances at 7:59 p.m. Don Germanson, 1501 Bay Ridge Rd, the neighbor to the north, said they view this as a grandfather situation, not an average lakeshore setback issue. He said they saw this deck go up and it was higher and where there were three steps there are now eight or nine. This is not grandfathered, which means replace like-kind, he said. Everything should have been built in the existing footprint. They would encourage keeping the new deck within the existing footprint. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. Bollis said after-the-fact variances are always hard and they need to look at it as what they would have approved if it had come before the Planning Commission as a request. There are safety concerns that he thinks would have brought the Commission to the conclusion of approving the variance if it had been requested in the first place. He said they probably would have had more control over where those deck stairs went if they had seen it in advance. He said he had no doubt they would have approved the safety concerns. Snyder said the stairs are built and attached but the deck is not completely finished. He said both decks were 16 X 24 not counting the stairs. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 11 Bollis said he did not think the applicant is asking for much. Bollis moved, Schultze seconded, to recommend approval of LA23-000058, 1513 Bay Ridge Road, Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 6. LA23-000059 PEBL DESIGN, 980 TONKAWA ROAD, REQUESTS APPROVAL OF AN AVERAGE LAKESHORE SETBACK AND SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE IN THE SIDE YARD. City Planner Nye explained the applicant is requesting an average lakeshore setback variance and a side yard setback variance for the construction of a 6-foot screen wall and outdoor kitchen area. The proposed screen wall is considered an accessory structure and not a fence due to the grill, sink, and other elements that are incorporated in its design. The proposal does not meet the 10-foot setback requirement for accessory structures and is 6 feet in height within of the average lakeshore setback line where 42 inches (3.5 feet) is permitted. All other zoning requirements, including hardcover, are met. The applicant has identified the existing conditions of the property as a practical difficulty. Currently there is an accessory structure of a 3-foot-tall wall enclosing a grill within the required side yard setback. The applicant is proposing to recapture this element of the current outdoor space in their new design. The applicant has also identified the topography and extreme average lakeshore setback line as practical difficulties. The current home is within the average lakeshore setback and the neighboring and impacted neighbor is situated at a much higher grade and therefore is not impacted by the proposed 6-foot accessory structure. There is also substantial vegetation between the neighboring properties. There are some practical difficulties to support a variance to the average lakeshore setback. However, Staff does not find that there is practical difficulty to allow a side yard setback variance. Staff does recognize that the proposed taller height of the accessory structure would not impact the neighbor’s view of the lake due to the difference in grade, vegetation, extreme average lakeshore setback limits and distance from the lake. However, the property owner has reasonable use of the site for the single-family home. An accessory structure of an outdoor kitchen is not necessary for the use of the property. The proposed location for the outdoor kitchen is out of convenience since there is a conforming building envelope on the site for the proposed project to meet the 10-foot required side yard setback. The applicant, representing PEBL Designs, said they were under the impression that they had removed the outdoor kitchen based on staff recommendation. He pointed out the intent of average lakeshore setback doesn’t really apply because of the difference in grade and vegetation. Nye said Staff would be in favor of the variance for the six-foot wall without the kitchen. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. Joe Hoffman, 1000 Tonkawa, the neighbor, said they have no problems with what the neighbor wants to do and in fact the six-foot wall would give them more privacy. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Bollis said he was in favor of the six-foot fence as it does not impede anyone’s view. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 11 Nye said as proposed it would be about six feet from the property line. The side-yard setback variance is not needed if they drop the outdoor kitchen. Libby asked if there would be space to move the wall so the applicant could still have the accessory kitchen. The applicant said moving it that close to the house doesn’t make any sense. Ressler said he would not support a six-foot wall but a fence would be acceptable at a height of six feet. McCutchen moved, Schultze seconded, to recommend approval of LA23-000059, 980 Tonkawa Road, Variance for Average Lakeshore Setback removing the outdoor kitchen. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 1 (Ressler). 7. LA23-000054 TEXT AMENDMENT WITHIN CHAPTER 78 WHICH CONTEMPLATES THE ALLOWANCE OF RETAINING WALLS WITHIN THE SHORE SETBACK ZONES Community Development Director Oakden explained the City Council processes many variances for retaining walls within the lakeshore setback every year. The Council directed staff to review the current regulations relating to retaining walls and determine of if any amendments to the City Code should be considered. City Staff presented information to the Council at the April 24, 2023 and May 19,2023 work sessions which included general background information, examples of different types of walls and wall construction, guidance from the Comprehensive Plan, DNR and other lake area communities. Currently, the City Code prohibits retaining walls within the shore setback. The required shore setback for Lake Minnetonka is 75-feet. The strict prohibition presents multiple challenges for residents who are working to repair or replace failing walls or to address erosion issues. The current regulations do not provide any guidance for best practices regarding material, methods, or screening of walls. Staff recommends the Council amend the City Code to create an administrative process and a conditional use permit process to permit retaining walls within the shore setback on properties with specific conditions. Additionally, clarification to the definition of retaining walls and elimination of redundancy within the City Code will be achieved with the proposed ordinance, she said. The ordinance would allow for an administrative permit under some conditions and a conditional use permit process for others. To obtain a CUP it would require a public hearing and professional engineering. This would include new walls or walls with significant changes. Swapping out material on an existing wall up to four feet within the 75-foot Lakeshore Setback could be accomplished with the administrative permit. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing on the proposed ordinance revision at 8:39 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 8:39 p.m. Bollis said he felt this was a needed change as retaining walls built in the 1970s are beginning to fail and new materials and techniques are now available. It would be good for residents to be able to address more of these with an administrative permit. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION October 16, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 11 Oakden said there were some additions of definitions including defining the difference between boulder walls and landscape edging. Bollis said he feels the definition needs more work because as written it could cover decorative features or create too many loopholes for walls. Oakden said the definition also includes the requirement that the purpose of the structure is to hold back earth. She said the definitions were pulled from DNR best practices. She said the commission has discussed some options for the definition and asked the Commission members which they favored. Libby said he was comfortable with the ordinance as written since it is required that the applicant use professional design services. Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to recommend approval of the ordinance as drafted removing in the definition the language for two or more boulders. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. OTHER BUSINESS – Update on October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Oakden updated the Commissioners noting the City Council followed the Planning Commission’s recommendations at the last meeting with the exception of reducing the size of a deck on one project at the suggestion of the applicant. ADJOURNMENT Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. The Orono Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ATTEST: _________________________________________ Christopher Bollis, Chair Date Application Received: 08/14/2023 Date Application Considered as Complete: 10/16/2023 60-Day Review Period Expires: 12/15/2023 To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Melanie Curtis, Planner mcc Date: 20 November 2023 Subject: #23-000045, Ellette Anderson Vacation of ROW between 1250 and 1260 Spruce Place Public Hearing Background The applicant is requesting to vacate the unimproved right-of-way situated between 1250 Spruce Place (owned by James & Melissa Easley) and 1260 Spruce Place (owned by Ms. Anderson, the applicant). This unimproved right-of-way is also known as “Lake Street” on the plat of Saga Hill, Revised, and terminates at the OHWL of North Arm Bay. There are no City utilities within the right- of-way. Within the right-of-way there are riprap spillways facilitating overland drainage from Spruce Place, retaining walls, and approximately 900 square feet of the Easleys’ driveway accessing their side load garage. Applicable Regulations:  MN State Statute 412.851 VACATION OF STREETS The council may by resolution vacate any street, alley, public grounds, public way, or any part thereof, on its own motion or on petition of a majority of the owners of land abutting on the street, alley, public grounds, public way, or part thereof to be vacated. When there has been no petition, the resolution may be adopted only by a vote of four-fifths of all members of the council. No vacation shall be made unless it appears in the interest of the public to do so after a hearing preceded by two weeks' published and posted notice. The council shall cause written notice of the hearing to be mailed to each property owner affected by the proposed vacation at least ten days before the hearing. The notice must contain, at minimum, a copy of the petition or proposed resolution as well as the time, place, and date of the hearing. In addition, if the street, alley, public grounds, public way, or any part thereof terminates at, abuts upon, or is adjacent to any public water, written notice of the petition or proposed resolution must be served by certified mail upon the commissioner of natural resources at least 60 days before the hearing on the matter. The notice to the commissioner of natural resources does not create a right of intervention by the commissioner. At least 15 days prior to convening the hearing required under this section, the council or its designee must consult with the commissioner of natural resources to review the proposed vacation. The commissioner must evaluate: Application Summary: The applicant is requesting City approval of vacation of undeveloped right-of-way between 1250 and 1260 Spruce Place. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends denial of the request to vacate. FILE # LA23-000045 20 Nov 2023 Page 2 of 4 1. The proposed vacation and the public benefits to do so; 2. the present and potential use of the land for access to public waters; and 3. how the vacation would impact conservation of natural resources. The commissioner must advise the city council or its designee accordingly upon the evaluation. After a resolution of vacation is adopted, the clerk shall prepare a notice of completion of the proceedings which shall contain the name of the city, an identification of the vacation, a statement of the time of completion thereof, and a description of the real estate and lands affected thereby. The notice shall be presented to the county auditor who shall enter the same in the transfer records and note upon the instrument, over official signature, the words "entered in the transfer record." The notice shall then be recorded with the county recorder. Any failure to file the notice shall not invalidate any vacation proceedings.  MN State Statue 462.358 Subd. 7. Vacation The governing body of a municipality may vacate any publicly owned utility easement or boulevard reserve or any portion thereof, which are not being used for sewer, drainage, electric, telegraph, telephone, gas and steam purposes or for boulevard reserve purposes, in the same manner as vacation proceedings are conducted for streets, alleys and other public ways under a home rule charter or other provisions of law. A boulevard reserve means an easement established adjacent to a dedicated street for the purpose of establishing open space adjacent to the street and which area is designated on the recorded plat as "boulevard reserve".  Orono City Code. Sec. 78-9. - Vacation of streets, alleys and public grounds. Vacation of streets, alleys and public grounds shall follow the procedures set forth in this chapter; except that such vacation shall require a petition by a majority of the landowners abutting the property to be vacated, and a hearing preceded by two weeks' published and posted notice, all as required by Minn. Stat. § 412.851. The council may vacate any publicly owned utility easement or boulevard reserve which is not being used for sewer, drainage, electric, telegraph, and telephone, gas and steam purposes or for boulevard reserve purposes, in the same manner as vacation proceedings are conducted for streets, alleys and other public ways. A boulevard reserve means an easement established adjacent to a dedicated street for the purpose of establishing open space adjacent to the street and which area is designated on the recorded plat as boulevard reserve.  Orono’s 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Chapter 4A - Lake access, preservation and management Orono's lakes provide a significant recreational resource for all Orono residents. This value was long ago realized by City leaders. In order to provide lake access for the general public, as well as to provide for fire department access to the lake as a water source, a number of lake access corridors were created as the shore land developed. These typically are platted, dedicated right- of-ways leading from the local road system to the shoreline, and are commonly from 16' to 66' in width. These right-of-ways (often referred to as “fire lanes” or “lake access roads”) vary considerably in their proximity to traffic, parking availability, proximity to housing, lakeshore conditions, and other factors that effect their recreational value. Some of these corridors have been maintained by the City for local swimming beaches or as winter snowmobile and ice-fishing accesses. Certain FILE # LA23-000045 20 Nov 2023 Page 3 of 4 accesses have docks for fishing, and some have ramp areas suitable for launching a small boat. However, most do not have designated parking available, and are primarily intended to serve the neighborhood rather than the general public. A number of these access corridors have steep topography, shallow water depths, undesirable lake bottom conditions, and/or dense vegetation and experience little or no usage. Of the City lake accesses shown on Map 4E-2 (Exhibit G), half of those located outside of Big Island are either undeveloped or closed to public use.  Orono’s 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan: Chapter 4E Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces • Orono will maintain Lake Access for all residents. With shore land abutting a dozen separate bays in Lake Minnetonka, Orono has a commitment to maintaining access via the dedicated access corridors. It is the City’s intent to permanently retain for public use all existing lake access corridors and fire lanes, regardless of the current level of use or maintenance. (Supports goal 5) To this end, the City will follow these policies: o Requests for vacation of dedicated lake access right of ways will be evaluated carefully, in particular where equal or better lake accesses are not available nearby. The City will identify and take necessary action to preserve the public’s right to use of any such accesses which exist but which may not have been formally dedicated. o The City will endeavor to work with property owners adjacent to lake access corridors to ensure that both the rights of the public and the rights of the private landowner are upheld. Engineer Comments City Engineer Adam Edwards provided the following comments on the request: “I do not recommend vacating the right of way. Although heavily encroached, the site serves as a draining way for the area. The site has also been identified as a possible future public accessway to the lake. Areas that provide a public purpose should not be vacated.” Staff Analysis The right-of-way corridor addressed in this application is identified on our Comprehensive Plan Lake Access Point Map as having no public access. The City does not have any Park improvements in that area. The access has a public purpose serving as a drainage way for the area. There are identified lake access points in this area. Sandy Beach is located to the south which is established as a swimming beach, and the City’s fishing dock off of Loma Linda Avenue to the north. Both are less than 500-feet from this location. The challenge with vacating rights-of-way is that vacation is final. Should the public or the City have access or utility needs in the future, the cost to taxpayers to reacquire the property will be at a premium. For this reason, vacation reduces options for the City in the future. The subject right of way secures opportunity for future access to the adjacent properties. DNR Comments At the time of the writing of this memo, we have not received the written comments from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). However, staff has spoken with the DNR representative, they have reviewed the vacation request and provided verbal comments: the DNR opposes the vacation. The basis for their opposition is that the proposed vacation does not provide a public benefit nor does it protect future public use of the land to access the lake. Written comment will be provided upon receipt. Public Comments Comments received from the public are attached as Exhibit H. FILE # LA23-000045 20 Nov 2023 Page 4 of 4 Issues for Consideration 1. Does the land have a public benefit? 2. Does this request meet the statutory requirements for approval? 3. Would approving this action set precedent for future lake access vacations? 4. Are there any issues or concerns with this application? Planning Staff Recommendation Staff recommends denial of the request to vacate the right-of-way at this time as there is currently a public benefit for drainage purposes and the future purpose of the land is undetermined. List of Exhibits Exhibit A. Application Exhibit B. Proposed Vacation Exhibit C. Legal Description Exhibit D. Aerial Photos Exhibit E. Utility Company Notifications & Responses Exhibit F. DNR Notification Exhibit G. Comp Plan Map 4E-2 Lake Access Points Exhibit H. Comments from the Public Exhibit I. City Engineer Comment Exhibit J. Property Owners List Exhibit K. Plat Map 8/25/23, 2:36 PM Permit List | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=ListPermits&WorkOrder_ID=87601897&ciDisplay=null&getPrint=true&skipLoading=true 1/1 Land Use Application Summary Application Date:08/14/2023 Address:1260 Spruce Place Orono, MN 55364 Parcel Number:0811723320012 Land Use Number:LA23-000045 Application Submitted By:Property Owner Owner:Name: ELLETTE A ANDERSON Address: 1260 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 Applicant:Name: Ellie Anderson Company: Address: 1260 Spruce Place orono , mn 55364 eanderson@griffinarcher.com Contact Information:Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Project Description:Vacation of unused fire lane. Land Use Application Type:Amendmend Application Appeal of Admin Decision Concept Application Conditional Use Permit Site Plan Application Subdivision Application Subdivision Exception Vacation Application Variance Application Applicant Signature: Narrative The home at 1260 Spruce Place has been in our family since 1972. I was born and raised here and recently purchased the home from my parents who still have a part-time residence in the house. During this time the vacant fire lane has not been used by anyone in the neighborhood or the city of Orono for any purpose. In 1979 a neighbor across the street requested to put a dock there and the city of Orono declined the request for multiple reasons. See letter uploaded to application. Because the land is not fit for a public dock, and there are three other lake accesses within a half mile of the property, we would like to request that the property be split equally between our house and the home of Jim and Melissa Easley who live at 1250 Spruce Place. This would allow the Easley family to have a proper driveway (currently their land ends within a few feet of their garage door and they have a gravel driveway). Both parties have lovingly maintained this property for more than 50 years – mowing, planting, and adding 10k of rip-rap to the shoreline. It has been the place of soccer games, bonfires, gymnastics practice, and host to multiple wood duck families. Now we would love the opportunity to “officially” incorporate it into our two properties. Additionally, I would like to note that there is a large gully/watershed in the middle of this fire lane that fills during every rainstorm sometimes up to three feet wide which would inhibit this from safely being used for any type of public walkway or access. Ellette A Anderson 1260 Spruce Place Orono, MN 55364 612-309-2050 From:Mayers, Charles J To:Melanie Curtis Cc:Mayers, Charles J Subject:Proposed Vacation 1250 Spruce Place, Mound Minesota Date:Tuesday, October 31, 2023 10:52:12 AM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Hi Melanie, CenterPoint Energy has no issues or concerns with your vacation request. We have no facilities within the vacation area. Have a great safe day. Chuck Mayers Chuck Mayers SR/WA Senior Agent, Right of Way System Integrity & Operation Support 612-321-5381 w. | 952-334-9180 c. Charles.mayers@centerpointenergy.com 11/9/2023 Katie Fitzsimmons Planning Assistant 2750 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 P858384 No Reservations/No Objection SUBJECT: Request for Vacation - Abandonment of an unimproved street Right-Of-Way located at 1250 & 1260 Spruce Pl, Orono, MN. To Whom It May Concern: Qwest Corporation d/b/a CenturyLink QC (“CenturyLink”) has reviewed the request for the subject vacation and has determined that it has no objections with respect to the areas proposed for vacation as shown and/or described on Exhibit “A”, said Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated by this reference. It is the intent and understanding of CenturyLink that this Vacation shall not reduce our rights to any other existing easement or rights we have on this site or in the area. This vacation response is submitted WITH THE STIPULATION that if CenturyLink facilities are found and/or damaged within the vacated area as described, the Applicant will bear the cost of relocation and repair of said facilities. If you have any questions, please contact Richard Hollis at 903-559-1095 or richard.hollis@lumen.com Sincerely, CenturyLink Right of Way Team Exhibit “A” CITY OF ORONO 2750 KELLEY P ARKWAY,ORONO,MINNESOTA 55356 www.oronomn.gov 24 August 2023 SENT VIA U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL: 70151520000035763243 Sarah Strommen Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 RE: Proposed Vacation ofunimproved right-of-way between and adjacent to1250 Spruce Place and 1260 Spruce Place in Orono File: #LA22-000050 Ms. Strommen: The City of Orono has been requested to vacate unimproved right-of-way which lies between the properties addressed 1250 Spruce Place and 1260 Spruce Place; this right-of-way terminates at or about the OHWL of Lake Minnetonka; as depicted on the enclosed. Enclosed are copies of right-of-way area. Please advise whether you have any objections to vacation of the area shown. This request will be presented at the November 20 th Planning Commission meeting for a public hearing. Receipt of your comments by or before Monday, November 6th would be appreciated. Please contact me directly at mcurtis@oronomn.gov or 952.249.4627 for more information of if you have any questions on the request. Thank you for your input. Sincerely, CITY OF ORONO Melanie Curtis Planner Enclosures c: via email #* #* #* #* #* #*#*#* #* #* #*#*#* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #*#* #*#* #* #*#*#*#* #* #*#* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #*#*#* #*#* #*#*#*#* #* Cook'sBay SpringParkBay Carman'sBay HarrisonBay WestArm MaxwellBay NorthArm ForestLakeJenning'sBay StubbsBay LafayetteBay WayzataBayTanagerLake LakeClassen DickeyLake LongLake LydiardLake MooneyLake CascoPoint CrystalBay BohnsPoint SmithBay LakeMinnetonka BrownsBay BrackettsPoint FrenchMarsh KatrinaLake DutchLake LangdonLake LongLa k e CreekM inne h ahaCreek Pai n t e r C r e e k M in n e h a h a C r eek Paint er C reekGVWX15 GVWX16 GVWX15 GVWX112 GVWX84 GVWX135 GVWX101 GVWX110 GVWX146 GVWX125 GVWX5 GVWX151GVWX19 GVWX6 GVWX19 GVWX101 GVWX6 GVWX51 %&'(394 %&'(494 )*12 )*12 ?@A@7 ST26 ST201 M inne t o n kaD r Minnetonka Blvd WoodhillRoadT hreePointsB lvd Lake St Extension Orcha rd Roa d Highland Ave LynwoodBl vd P eaveyRoad6 t h Ave N Ferndale Road NCounty Road 19 NStar keyRoadRutledge Road 22 ndAve N Commerce BlvdHighway 12 E6thAveN TonkawoodRoadCountyRoad101Interstate 494Highw oo d D r N Arm Dr Williston RoadAzure RoadBrownRoadNShorelineDr Ferndale Road W 19th Ave N Man o rR o a d O akla n d RoadFerndaleRoadSInterstate394 Highway 7 8th Ave N NShore Dr StoneRoad Rice St E W atertownRoad G l e a so n L a k e D rCarlsonPkwyN21 s t A v e N 3rdAve N Wayzata Bl vd EWillow Dr NBayside Road W a y zata B lv d W Ke lley P k w y Lakeview AveCounty Road 151 Grays B ayB lvdRanchview Ln NLake Ave Daniels St Ma pl ewood RoadLakeStE Pkwy4th Ave N Av onDrD e v on Dr P ar k Ave S Ln OrchardLn S h or e w ood L n SteeleStPark St E Grand Ave N o r t h e r n A ve Vine StDove Ln2 0 th Ave N County Road 839thA v e NRidge v i e wDr EOld Crystal Bay Road NFox St OldLongL ake R o a dMinnehaha PlDay PlHeritageLnRainbowDrLyricAve W Branch Road Ringer R oa dHunter DrWayzata Blvd Spring HillR oadTemp le Dr Arco l a LnCountyRoad15Crow n DrEastwoodRoad5thAveNChimoWWildhurstTrl Moline Road Tamarack DrWayza t a B l v d W To go Roa d W Arm Dr Regent s W a lkGaleRoadPea vey Ln C y gnetPlDrake Dr Turner Road Linwood RoadKelly Ave McGintyRoadW M an it o u R oadWilshireBlvd CountyRoad101ShadywoodRoad G leasonLakeRoadCrosbyRoadHarborLnNBa rtlettBlvdHighland RoadCounty Road 19Old Crystal Bay Road SVineHillRoadCanterbu r yDrDonald Dr LinnerRoadDunkirk Ln NW illo wDrSLeaf StHoldridg e Dr To n k a w a Ro a dMcCulleyRoadCo unty Road1 10N Victoria StBrownRoadSI slan dViewDrEastmanLn Niagara Ln NEd g e w ater Dr Vicksburg Ln NWPointRoadLafa y ette RoadBushawayRoadWoodhillR oadLakeview Pkwy Leroy StStubbs Bay Road NSussex DrTroy L n N Hi l lside D rW18thA v e N 2 1 34 5 6 7 8 9 10 111213 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 222324 2526 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 A B CD E FG HI 1A Map Document: \\Arcserver1\GIS\ORNO\C13114814\ESRI\Maps\LandUse\ORNO_4E-B_LakeAccessPoints_11x17L.mxd | Date Saved: 11/9/2018 3:27:44 PM2040 Comprehensive PlanOrono, MN November 2018Lake Access Points Legend City Limits 2040 MUSA Lakes & Ponds Rivers & Streams 0 3,500FeetSource: Met. Council, City of Orono, Hennepin County, MnDOT !I Lake Access Points #*Lake AccessPoints Map 4E-2 From:Walter Moe To:Melanie Curtis Subject:Nov.20 agenda item Date:Monday, November 6, 2023 9:43:27 AM Dear Melanie, Re: LA23-000045 vacation of right-of-way. We have lived here on Spruce Place for over 50 years, and we support the vacation as requested. Let us know if we can be more helpful, and share this opinion with other council members. (We are unable to attend the meeting, Nov. 20) Nancy and Wyatt Moe From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Adam Edwards Melanie Curtis Katie Fitzsimmons; Josh Lemons; Brent Weldon; DJ Goman RE: LA23-000045 / 1250 + 1260 Spruce Place / Vacation Wednesday, October 18, 2023 11:04:33 AM Melanie, Engineer Comment: I do not recommend vacating the right of way. Although heavily encroached, the site serves as a draining way for the area. The site has also been identified as a possible future public accessway to the lake. Areas that provide a public purpose should not be vacated. Adam From: Melanie Curtis <MCurtis@oronomn.gov> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:26 AM To: Adam Edwards <aedwards@oronomn.gov> Cc: Katie Fitzsimmons <kfitzsimmons@oronomn.gov>; Josh Lemons <jlemons@oronomn.gov> Subject: LA23-000045 / 1250 + 1260 Spruce Place / Vacation Adam The applicant has requested vacation of the “Lake Street” right-of-way. Please review and provide comment on the attached survey and other information. The public hearing will be held at the planning commission meeting on November 20th. Please provide comment by or before November 1st. Thank you, Melanie Melanie Curtis, Planner 2750 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Website: www.oronomn.gov Email: mcurtis@oronomn.gov Direct 952.249.4627 Planning & Zoning Department 952.249.4620 38 07-117-23 14 0068 DAVID OTTO & SARA OTTO 1185 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0006 SUZANNE M PELTIER HINRICHS 1205 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0007 JEFFREY D UDELL 1225 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0008 DANIEL J RUEGEMER 1295 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0050 SAMUEL GORDON & ALYSSA WOOD 1370 NORTH ARM DR MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0051 CLAYTON R FUCHS 1305 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0052 CHARLES PATRICK RIPLEY JESSICA LYNN RIPLEY 1376 NORTH ARM DR MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0053 MICHAEL DABU ANGELA DABU 1374 NORTH ARM DR MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0076 KENNETH L & LINDA S HOFFMANN 1254 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0077 KENNETH L & LINDA S HOFFMANN 1254 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0078 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 07-117-23 41 0087 CAROLYN UDELL 1210 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0089 DANIEL DAHLIN CAROLYN DAHLIN 1290 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0091 W WYATT & NANCY S MOE 1230 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0092 W WYATT MOE 1230 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 07-117-23 41 0093 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 08-117-23 23 0003 JEREMY RICHARD MITCHELL 1190 LOMA LINDA AVE MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 23 0027 CAROLYN E UDELL 2635 KELLEY PKWY UNIT# 139 LONG LAKE MN 55356 38 08-117-23 32 0007 JENNIFER LINDER 1240 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0008 JAMES B & MELISSA J EASLEY 1250 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0012 ELLETTE A ANDERSON 1260 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0013 SCOTT G YOUNGSTRAND HEATHER YOUNGSTRAND 1270 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0016 MICHAEL WILLIAMS KATHLEEN SCARLETT 1300 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0017 ROSS N RIFKIN CHRISTINE E Z RIFKIN 1310 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0018 PHILLIP CASEY & LESLEE CASEY 1318 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 38 08-117-23 32 0027 JOHN C RYAN 1280 SPRUCE PL MOUND MN 55364 He nn epin Co u n ty L oc ate & N o tify Map 125 0 & 12 60 Spr uc e Place 0 100 20050 Feet Da te : 8/1 5/20 23 Buffer Size:500Map Co mm e nts : Th is d ata (i) is furn ish ed 'AS IS' with no represen ta tion as tocompleteness or accuracy; (ii) is fu rn ish ed with n o warra nty of anykind; an d (iii) is n ot suitable for le ga l, eng ineerin g or surve yingpurposes. Hennepin County shall not b e liab le for a ny da ma ge , in ju ryor loss resu lting from this dat a. Fo r mo re inf ormation , co nta ct Hen ne pin Co un ty GI S Off ice300 6th S tree t So uth , Minn ea polis, MN 5 5487 / gis.in fo@h en ne pin.us Item #1 - LA23-000045 (1250 + 1260 Spruce PI) Neighbor Comments + DNR comments From: John Ryan To: Melanie Curtis Subject: The property that is before you south y neighbors Elle and Rob anderson Date: Friday, November 17, 2023 3:34:23 PM I'd like to give my full approval for the vacation of the an They are excellent neighbors and take very good care of the property and shore. Thanks Ms Curtis for your kind consideration. Regards John Ryan 1280 spruce place Orono Get Outlook for iOS Il . 2v . 23 pc, t� I DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Office of the Regional Director DNR Central Region Headquarters 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 November 173 2023 Melanie Curtis, Planner City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, MN 55356 Re: Street Vacation right of way between and adjacent to 1250 Spruce Place, 1260 Spruce Place and North Arm Lake Dear Ms. Curtis, Thank you for your letter to Commissioner Strommen regarding this proposed road vacation. Your letter was forwarded to me for review and comment, as required by M.S. 412.851. M.S. 412.851 indicates, "No vacation shall be made unless it appears in the interest of the public to do so." In response 'The commissioner must evaluate: (1) the proposed vacation and the public benefits to do so; (2) the present and potential use of the land for access to public waters; and (3) how the vacation would impact conservation of natural resources." Our charge is to evaluate the proposed vacation using M.S. 412.851 criteria. With these criteria in mind, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concludes that the proposed vacation does not clearly state how the vacation is to the public benefit. Lake access is vital to community as future land use and population growth can cause a scarcity of these necessary amenities. The DNR is not in favor of the vacation and would encourage the city to preserve public access to the lake. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed vacation. DNR does not plan to attend the public hearing. Please send us the results of the hearing and the city's final decision on this road vacation. If you have any questions or concerns about this letter, please contact Nancy Spooner -Walsh, Acquisition and Development Specialist with DNR Parks &Trails, at nancy.spooner-walsh@state.mn.us. You may contact her by phone at 651-259-5874. Thank you. Sincerely, Grant L. Wilson Central Region Director cc: Nancy Spooner -Walsh, Division of Parl<s and Trails David Olsen, Division of Parks and Trails Minnesota Department of Natural Resources •Central Region 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106 Ielll Awne 473.7357 �1.2b.23 q(W0 40 ; (CITY of ORONO 1'ue4t ()ffice liox f 60Crystnl I;:,y, Minnesota 553236 Municipal (.)fficce On the North Shore of Lake Minnetonka August 9, 1979 Mr.. Ronald Gartner 1254 Loma Linda Avenue P4ound, Minnesota 55364 Dear Mr. Gartner: In response to your request asking private dock on public property or the City of Orono install a publ:i c public street located between 1250 the following information: i.f you could install your if this is not allowed, would dock on the platted undeveloped and 1260 Spruce Place, I offer The public street that provides access to North Arm is 40 feet in width. It is public property and cannot be used for construction or maintenance of private docks. In considering your request to construct a public dock at this location, we have reviewed the history of the area and the site to determine the rationale for a City dock at this location. The past history reveals that a public dock has not been utilized at this location because of the natural grade to the lake, where persons could walk to without undue hardship. I understand from the neighbors in the area that individuals have installed their own docks at this location, which is not permissible because of the liability to the City. Because of the gradual slope to the lake and the natural shoreline, the construction of a City dock would only encourage storage of boats or other private property that is not allowed at 'these locationse Since the area is not maintained as a street to the lake, a dock would only encourage excessive use in an area that is not prepared for any other uses except to allow foot traffic to the lake. There are locations that are prepared for dock construction, one which is located approximately three blocks from your residence, which is a gravelled lake access to North Arm on Loma Linda Avenue. s tir. Ronald Gantner August 9, 1.979 Page 2 To conclude, I am recommending to the City Council that the area be left in its natural ,state and not be used as a public launching site for boats or other recreational purposes because of inability of the City to maintain, regulate or provide adequate public parking facilities in the area. Please feel free to call me if you should have any questions. Sincerely, ; Waite City ."�enson inistrator cc:/ City Council T.,,.--'-s Coordinator ace Place Date Application Received: 10/13/2023 Date Application Considered as Complete: 10/30/2023 60-Day Review Period Expires: 12/29/2023 To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Natalie Nye, Planner Date: November 20, 2023 Subject: #LA23-000060, Brian Benson, 3600 Casco Avenue - Variances - Public Hearing Background The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing home on the property and construct a new home in a similar location. The subject property is uniquely shaped with an extreme average lakeshore setback that does not allow a reasonable building envelope. The existing home on the property is entirely forward of the average lakeshore setback line. The property also contains a wide easement and 355-foot-long driveway that restrict the sites overall building envelope and hardcover. The applicant is requesting variances from average lakeshore setback and to exceed the hardcover maximum of 25% in order to construct a new home. Practical Difficulties Analysis Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has identified the property’s unique flag shape and position on a point as practical difficulties. The unique shape of the lot creates a very long driveway that comprises a large percentage of the overall hardcover on the site. The driveway is 355 feet in length and over 15% of the overall hardcover for the site. The orientation of the property in relation to the neighbors is also unique and creates an extreme average lakeshore setback line. There is also a wide utility easement along the southern portion of the property that further restricts the building envelope. Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Staff agrees with the applicant’s assessment. The property is a unique shape and does not have a reasonable building envelope due to an extreme average lakeshore setback. Due to the placement of the neighboring homes, building in front of the average lakeshore setback line would not impact their views of the lake. The neighbor to the north does not currently have a view of the lake due to their reverse flag shaped lot and the neighbor to the south enjoys a view of the inlet bay which is not impacted by the subject property’s home. Development on the lot is further suppressed by the long driveway and utility easement. The long driveway on the property comprises about 15% of the hardcover on the site when a maximum of 25% is permitted. Part of this driveway is used by a neighbor to access their property. The proposed hardcover for the site is 30%, which is a reduction from the current 34% on the site. If the property had a standard driveway length, the property would be in compliance with hardcover. Please find the hardcover analysis found in Exhibit H. Staff finds the variance requests to be reasonable and in character with the neighborhood, as the current home on the site is in a similar location. Application Summary: The applicant is requesting variances from average lakeshore setback and hardcover for the construction of a new home. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval. FILE #LA23-000060 November 20, 2023 Page 2 of 5 LOT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET Section 78-350 & 78-1279 – Setbacks: LR-1C District Required Existing Proposed Rear (Street) 30’ 300+’ 300+’ North Side 10’ 36’ 22.3’ South Side 10’ 11.4’ 10.3’ Lakeshore 75’ 101.8’ 98.8’ Average Lakeshore Not Compliant Not Compliant Section 78-350 – Lot Area/Width: LR-1C District Lot Area Lot Width Required 21,780 s.f. (0.5 acres) 100’ Actual 33,719 s.f. (0.77 acre) 137’ @ 75’ / 112’ @ OHWL Section 78-1403 – Structural Building Coverage: Total Lot Area Total Structural Coverage 33,719 s.f. (0.77 acre) Allowed: 6,743.8 s.f. Existing: 3,311 s.f. Proposed: 4,693 s.f. Section 78-1680 and 78-1700 – Hardcover Calculations: Stormwater Overlay District Tier Total Area Allowed Hardcover Existing Hardcover Proposed Hardcover Tier 1 33,719 s.f. 8,429.75 s.f. (25%) 11,482 s.f. (34.05%) 10,011 s.f. (29.69%) Applicable Regulations: Average Lakeshore Setback Variances (Section 78-1279) The property is subject to an extreme average lakeshore setback. The current home on the property is completely in front of the average lakeshore setback line. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing home and accessory garage and construct a new home. The new home will also be fully within the average lakeshore setback as it will be in a similar location. The existing home is approximately 101.8 feet from the OHWL. The proposed home will be slightly closer being 98.8’ from the OHWL at its closest point. The existing and proposed structure will meet the minimum 75-foot lake setback that is in place to protect the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. Due to the orientation and positioning of the neighboring homes, the proposed home will not impact any currently enjoyed lake views. Hardcover Variance (Section 78-1680) The existing hardcover on the property is approximately 34% of the total area which is over the Tier 1 maximum of 25%. While the size of the property is conforming in size, the unique shape requires the need for a long driveway. The driveway is about 355 feet in length and therefore about 15% of the total hardcover. The driveway is needed to access the property and is also used by a neighboring property. The proposal will reduce the hardcover from 34% to 30%, but will still require a variance to exceed 25%. The applicant could also consider the use of some permeable pavers in order to offset the increase in hardcover needed for the driveway. FILE #LA23-000060 November 20, 2023 Page 3 of 5 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. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. §216C.06, subd. 14, when in harmony with this chapter. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under this chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. According to MN §462.357 Subd. 6(2) variances shall only be permitted when: 1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance. Due to the placement of the neighboring lots and homes there is an extreme average lakeshore setback that eliminates a reasonable building envelope. The neighboring lake views that are currently enjoyed should not be impacted by a new home built in a similar location. The uniquely shaped lot has a very long driveway that greatly impacts the overall hardcover on the site. If the lot had a standard driveway length, a hardcover variance would not be required. The proposed project is also impacted by a wide utility easement. The proposed home will meet the 75-foot lake setback and be in harmony with the neighboring homes. The construction of a new home is in harmony with the general intent of the Ordinance due to the practical difficulties present. This criterion is met. 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The variances resulting in a new single- family home is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The applicant has identified the necessary practical difficulties inherent to the land supporting their requests. The proposal will reduce the overall hardcover on the site which is consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. This criterion is met. 3. 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 construction of a new single-family home is a reasonable use of the property. The proposed home will be located in a similar location to the existing home on the property. This criterion is met. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The unique lot shape and orientation of the neighboring homes creating an extreme average lakeshore setback are not the result of the current property owner’s actions; and c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The proposed variances resulting in the construction of a new home are supported by practical difficulties and will not alter the character of the area. This criterion is met. FILE #LA23-000060 November 20, 2023 Page 4 of 5 Additionally, City Code 78-123 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be granted as follows: 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. 5. Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 17, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78. This condition is not applicable. 6. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under Orono City Code Chapter 78 for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. This condition is not applicable, as a residential home is a permitted use in the LR-1C District. 7. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. This condition is not applicable. 8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. The unique lot shape, location of the existing utility easement, and the position of the neighboring homes are unique conditions to this specific property. This criterion is met. 9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which the land is located. The unique shape of the lot and existing conditions do not apply to other land or structures in the neighborhood or district. This criterion is met. 10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. The existing home is in a nonconforming location. The proposal will maintain a similar lake setback. The application proposes to decrease the total hardcover on the site, bringing it closer to compliance. Granting the average lakeshore setback and hardcover variances allows the property owner to build a new home in a similar location utilizing the existing conditions of the long driveway. This criterion is met. 11. 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. Granting the requested variances will not adversely impact health, safety, comfort, or morals of the community. The proposed home will not impact any currently enjoyed views of the lake by neighboring properties. This criterion is met. 12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. The variances allow for the construction of a new home in a similar location to the existing home, while improving the overall hardcover on the site from 34% to 30% total hardcover. There is no reasonable building envelope on the site and therefore the variances are needed in order to rebuild in a similar location to that of the existing home. This criterion is met. The Commission may recommend or Council may impose conditions in granting of variances. Any conditions imposed must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. No variance shall be granted or changed beyond the use permitted in this chapter FILE #LA23-000060 November 20, 2023 Page 5 of 5 in the district where such land is located. Public Comments The applicant has provided neighbor support letters from both the neighbor to the north (3630 Casco Avenue) and the neighbor to the south (2914 Casco Cove) found in Exhibit I. Issues for Consideration 1. Does the Planning Commission find that that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner which is not permitted by an official control? 2. Does the Planning Commission find that the variance(s), if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood? 3. Does the Commission find it necessary to impose conditions in order to mitigate the impacts created by the granting of the requested variance(s)? 4. Are there any other issues or concerns with this application? Planning Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the variance requests for average lakeshore setback and hardcover as applied. List of Exhibits Exhibit A. Application Exhibit B. Practical Difficulties Form Exhibit C. Narrative Exhibit D. Existing Survey Exhibit E. Proposed Survey Exhibit F. Overlay Exhibit G. Plans Exhibit H. Hardcover Information Exhibit I. Neighbor Support Letters Exhibit J. Site Photos Exhibit K. Mailing List & Map 10/24/23, 2:08 PM Letter View file:///C:/Users/mcurtis/Downloads/Land Use Application Summary.htm 1/1 Land Use Application Summary Application Date:10/18/2023 Address:3600 Casco Avenue Orono, MN 55391 Parcel Number:2011723310042 Land Use Number:LA23-000060 Application Submitted By:Agent on behalf of property owner Owner:Name: JON DUK KIM & YOUNG HYI AN Address: NIH Homes - Applicant:Name: Brian Benson Company: B Benson Group Address: 401 E Lake St Wayzata, MN 55391 brian.benson@compass.com Contact Information:Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Project Description:Variance Request for ALS line and Hardcover Land Use Application Type:Amendmend Application Appeal of Admin Decision Concept Application Conditional Use Permit Site Plan Application Subdivision Application Subdivision Exception Vacation Application Variance Application Applicant Signature: 10/24/23, 2:08 PM Permit List | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=ListPermits&WorkOrder_ID=87837524&ciDisplay=null&getPrint=true&skipLoading=true 1/2 PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM LA23-000060 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Chapter. Response: Proposal meets existing zoning code for residential single family use. . 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. Response: Correct. Please see Narrative for a detailed description of this uniquely shaped site, point- like lakeshore location and a wide sewer easement. 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Response: Correct. Our proposed house is a one and half story design that will not create massing, blends in well with the surrounding housing stock and has a classic timeless cottage style. 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter. Response: Our variance requests are related to practical difficulties with the site. 5. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 116J.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter. Response: N/A 6. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments or the Council may not permit as a variance any use that is not allowed under this Chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. Response: Submitted plan is for single family residence meeting existing zoning. 7. The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. Response: N/A 8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. Response: Yes. See narrative. 9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which said land is located. Response: Correct. This is a unique site with the 355’ narrow driveway requiring a higher hardcover 10/24/23, 2:08 PM Permit List | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=ListPermits&WorkOrder_ID=87837524&ciDisplay=null&getPrint=true&skipLoading=true 2/2 percentage and a site where the ALS ordinance does not work. The 20' sewer easement is also unique. 10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. Response: We cannot build a new home without the ALS and hardcover variances. The proposed new home will make the site more in compliance with hardcover. The existing home is dangerous after decades of neglect and needs to be torn down. 11. The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health, safety, comfort, morals, or in any other respect be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Code. Response: Correct. 12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. Response: The site is not buildable without these variances. Justification for Variance Requests 3600 Casco Ave Unique Lot Configuration - Lakeshore Point Setting - Wide Utility Easement 10/18/2023 To Orono City Staff, Planning Commission and City Council, I am writing to provide a comprehensive rationale for the variance requests pertaining to a proposed new home located at 3600 Casco Ave. Our team is requesting variances for the Average Lakeshore Setback (ALS) line and the hardcover allowance. The unique lot configuration, lakeshore point setting and a wide utility easement are practical difficulties necessitating these variance requests. The following points outline the substantive reasons behind our requests. Average Lakeshore Setback Line & Utility Easement: The ALS line ordinance does not allow a new home or even the existing home to be build without a variance. In fact the ALS line setback and the utility easement would only allow for approximately 500 square feet of total buildable area. Please review to the aerial exhibit that shows the ALS line and the utility easement line in white. The adjacent property to the north at 3630 Casco Ave has a unique lot configuration where the buildable area is a long distance from the lake. This house is setback 250 feet from the water and the site has a 20’ strip of land that goes to the shoreline. This house does not have a view of the lake currently and the owner supports the variance request. The shoreline for adjacent property on the southern side at 2914 Casco Point Road comes into the inlet and makes the ALS line logic invalid for this shoreline section. This neighboring home has views towards the inlet and Carmans Bay looking southeast and not towards the subject property. This owner also supports the variance request. Our proposed house placement also needed to accommodate a unique wide utility line easement that comes 20’ onto the property along most of the southern and southeastern property lines. This is double the normal side setback requirement. The proposed house plan location does not impact this utility easement. The proposed new house location is very close in proximity to the existing house and deck. We did push the new house farther away from the close neighboring house to the south and slightly closer to the lake to accommodate the wide utility easement. The closest lake location for the proposed home is 92’ however this distance is more like 96’ due to a small shoreline inlet notch measuring 4-5’ which lowers the distance. The proposed house placement is well beyond the 75’ typical setback. Moreover, our proposed house is a one and half story design that will not create massing, blends in well with the surrounding housing stock and has a classic timeless cottage style. Please refer to colorized survey exhibit that shows the existing home, proposed home and the utility easement. There is clearly a practical difficulty for granting an ALS line variance for 3600 Casco. Hardcover: This property has a unique long narrow driveway that measures approximately 355’ and requires significant hardcover versus a typical driveway entrance. The current hardcover on this subject property is 34% reflecting this driveway and overages in the buildable area as well. To accommodate this long driveway, we are requesting a variance for 30% hardcover, which equates to a substantial 9% reduction from the existing hardcover. If this site had a normal driveway configuration our proposed hardcover would be lower than 25% and not require a variance. This would assume to the property started just beyond the long driveway. Worth noting, the adjacent property at 3630 Casco Ave utilizes approximately 121’ of the subject’s driveway length to access their property. The long and narrow driveway creates a practical difficulty to meet the 25% hardcover allowance. Our plan significantly reduces the existing hardcover but still needs some hardcover accommodation. There is clearly a practical difficulty for granting a hardcover variance for 30%. Summary: In summary, we firmly believe that our variance requests are both necessary and reasonable, given the practical impediments posed by a unique lot configuration, a point-like lakeshore setting, and a substantial utility easement. We respectfully request that the city weigh these compelling factors in favor of our proposal and grant the required variances. We express our gratitude for your valuable time and consideration. Sincerely, Brian Benson Realtor Compass Representative of NIH Homes Lake MinnetonkaCasco Ave.#LICENSE NO.DATES1JUNE 2, 20223Phone (952) 474-7964Web: www.advsur.comAdvanceSurveying & Engineering, Co.CLIENT NAME / JOB ADDRESSSHEET TITLEEXISTING CONDITIONSSURVEYSHEET NO.SHEET 1 OF 1DRAWING ORIENTATION & SCALE40200230677 TBDRAWING NUMBERDATE DRAFTED:DATE SURVEYED:MAY 31, 2023JUNE 2, 2023# 42379Thomas M. BloomSHEET SIZE22 X 34SCALE - 1" = 20'LEGENDLEGAL DESCRIPTION:Tract B, REGISTERED LAND SURVYE NO. 1115, Hennepin County, Minnesota.SCOPE OF WORK & LIMITATIONS:1. Showing the length and direction of boundary lines of the legal description listed above. The scope of ourservices does not include determining what you own, which is a legal matter. Please check the legaldescription with your records or consult with competent legal counsel, if necessary, to make sure that it iscorrect and that any matters of record, such as easements, that you wish to be included on the survey have beenshown.2. Showing the location of observed existing improvements we deem necessary for the survey.3. Setting survey markers or verifying existing survey markers to establish the corners of the property.4. This survey has been completed without the benefit of a current title commitment. There may be existingeasements or other encumbrances that would be revealed by a current title commitment. Therefore, this surveydoes not purport to show any easements or encumbrances other than the ones shown hereon.5. Note that all building dimensions and building tie dimensions to the property lines, are taken from the sidingand or stucco of the building.6. Showing elevations on the site at selected locations to give some indication of the topography of the site. Wehave also provided a benchmark for your use in determining elevations for construction on this site. Theelevations shown relate only to the benchmark provided on this survey. Use that benchmark and check at leastone other feature shown on the survey when determining other elevations for use on this site or beforebeginning construction.STANDARD SYMBOLS & CONVENTIONS:"●" Denotes iron survey marker, set, unless otherwise noted.PATTY MORRIS3600 CASCO AVENUEORONO, MN18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Suite 401Deephaven, Minnesota 55391PC Exhibit D PC Exhibit E PC Exhibit F 0712 OCTOBER 20233600 CASCO AVEORONO, MNOFDRAWING DESCRIPTION:ISSUE DATE:PREVIOUS ISSUE DATES:COVER PAGEA-1 01 3 6 0 0 C A S C O AVE O R O N O ~ M I N N E S O T A 0712 OCTOBER 20233600 CASCO AVEORONO, MNOFDRAWING DESCRIPTION:ISSUE DATE:PREVIOUS ISSUE DATES:ELEVATIONSA-2 02 A-2 2 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" RIGHT ELEVATION 12'-1 7/8"10'-1 1/8"8'-0"8'-0"9'-1 1/8"TOP OF PLATE UPPER LEVEL SUBFLOOR MAIN LEVEL SUBFLOOR 945.65' TOP OF PLATE 3.15'HIGHEST existing GRADE 942.5' A-2 1 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" FRONT ELEVATION EQUALEQUAL3.15'MID POINT OF HIGHEST GABLE HIGHEST GABLE MAIL LEVEL 945.65' HIGHEST EXISTING GRADE 942.5'26'-2" 0712 OCTOBER 20233600 CASCO AVEORONO, MNOFDRAWING DESCRIPTION:ISSUE DATE:PREVIOUS ISSUE DATES:ELEVATIONSA-3 03 A-3 2 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" LEFT ELEVATION A-3 1 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" REAR ELEVATION 0712 OCTOBER 20233600 CASCO AVEORONO, MNOFDRAWING DESCRIPTION:ISSUE DATE:PREVIOUS ISSUE DATES:ELEVATIONSA-4 04 A-4 2 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" GARAGE BACK A-4 3 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" GARAGE END A-4 1 Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" GARAGE FRONT 9#;<#6#/0 '#56.#-'564''6 2JQPG 9#;<#6#/0 '#56.#-'564''6 2JQPG 9#;<#6#/0 '#56.#-'564''6 2JQPG        City of Orono Hardcover  Calculation  Worksheet                 Property Address:  3600 Casco Avenue (our survey 230677)                 Prepared by:  Thomas M. Bloom P.L.S. No. 42379 Date: 10/24/2023 Stormwater Quality Overlay District Tier:  (Circle one)Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3   Tier 4 Tier 5 Step 1:  EXISTING HARDCOVER In the following table identify all items of existing hardcover on the property, keyed by letter to Certificate of Survey (survey must accompany this form).  Use as many lines as necessary to accurately depict existing hardcover status of the property. Key to  Survey Hardcover Item (Describe)       Length x Width Total (Square Feet) (Example)(Garage)    (24' x 30')(720) S.F. A House 2,657 S.F. B Garage 654 S.F. C Deck East 954 S.F. D Gravel Drive 3,470 S.F. E Deck West 176 S.F. F Pavers 328 S.F. G Bituminous 3,195 S.F. H Concrete 227 S.F. I S.F. J S.F. K S.F. L S.F. M S.F. N S.F. O S.F. P S.F. Q S.F. R S.F. S S.F. T S.F. U S.F. V S.F. W S.F. X S.F. Y S.F. Z S.F. (1) Total Existing Hardcover 11,661 S.F. Excludable Hardcover (See City Code Sec 78‐1684) Ret. Walls 79 S.F. Deck/Porch Credit 100 S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F. (2) Total Excludable Hardcover 179 S.F. (3) Net Existing Hardcover 11,482 S.F. (4) Total Lot Area 33,719 S.F. Existing Hardcover Percentage [(3) / (4)]34.05% ADVANCE SURVEYING & ENGINEERING CO. I hereby certify that this report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a licensed professional land surveyor under the  laws of the State of Minnesota. Thomas M. Bloom Thomas M. Bloom P.L.S. No. 42379 Step 2:  PROPOSED HARDCOVER In the following table identify all items of existing hardcover on the property, keyed by letter to Certificate of Survey (survey must accompany this form).  Use as many lines as necessary to accurately depict existing hardcover status of the property. Key to  Survey Hardcover Item (Describe)       Length x Width Total (Square Feet) (Example)(Garage)    (24' x 30')(720) S.F. A House 4,042        S.F. B Bituminous Driveway 5,127        S.F. C North Stoop 23             S.F. D Rear Patios 202           S.F. E Rear Screen Porch 290           S.F. F Front Porch 361           S.F. G Front Walk 66             S.F. H Retaining Walls 118           S.F. I S.F. J S.F. K S.F. L S.F. M S.F. N S.F. O S.F. P S.F. Q S.F. R S.F. S S.F. T S.F. U S.F. V S.F. W S.F. X S.F. Y S.F. Z S.F. (1) Total Proposed Hardcover 10,229 S.F. Excludable Hardcover (See City Code Sec 78‐1684) Retaining Walls 118 S.F. Permeable Pavers 100 S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F. (2) Total Excludable Hardcover 218 S.F. (3) Net Proposed Hardcover [Subtract line (2) from line (1)]10,011 S.F. (4) Total Lot Area 33,719 S.F. Proposed Hardcover Percentage [(3) / (4)]29.69% ADVANCE SURVEYING & ENGINEERING CO. I hereby certify that this report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a licensed professional land surveyor under the laws of the State of Minnesota. Thomas M. Bloom Thomas M. Bloom P.L.S. No. 42379 Step 2: PROPOSED HARDCOVER In the following table identify all items of existing hardcover on the property, keyed by letter to Certificate of Survey (survey must accompany this form). Use as many lines as necessary to accurately depict existing hardcover status of the property. Key to Survey Hardcover Item (Describe) Length x Width Total (Square Feet) (Example)(Garage) (24' x 30')(720)S.F. A House 4,042 S.F. B Bituminous Driveway 1,596 S.F. C North Stoop 23 S.F. D Rear Patios 202 S.F. E Rear Screen Porch 290 S.F. F Front Porch 361 S.F. G Front Walk 66 S.F. H Retaining Walls 118 S.F. I S.F. J S.F. K S.F. L S.F. M S.F. N S.F. O S.F. P S.F. Q S.F. R S.F. S S.F. T S.F. U S.F. V S.F. W S.F. X S.F. Y S.F. Z S.F. (1) Total Proposed Hardcover 6,698 S.F. Excludable Hardcover (See City Code Sec 78-1684) Retaining Walls 118 S.F. Permeable Pavers 100 S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F. (2) Total Excludable Hardcover 218 S.F. (3) Net Proposed Hardcover [Subtract line (2) from line (1)]6,480 S.F. (4) Total Lot Area minus 20 foot flag portion 26,597 S.F. Hardcover Analysis - Hardcover Calculations without flag portion of lot Proposed Hardcover Percentage [(3) / (4)]24.36% 38 20-117-23 24 0005 CYNTHIA J WUNDERLICH TRUST FREDERIC D WUNDERLICH TRUST 18080 VIA BELLAMARE LANE MIROMAR LAKES FL 33913 38 20-117-23 24 0007 RANDALL L ENGELHART ELIZABETH A ENGELHART 2715 CAROLINE AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0008 DONALD J & DAWN R HEBIG 2735 CAROLINE AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0010 LANCE L & RHODA L VICKNAIR 2740 ETHEL AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0033 ZIV & TAL LIBERMAN 2690 CAROLINE AVE ORONO MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0034 JONATHAN MARSHALLA 2696 CAROLINE AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0040 CATHERINE R & JOEL W SHOOP 2720 ETHEL AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0041 ROBERT T LUND 2732 CAROLINE AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0002 DONALD SCHRADER 3704 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0003 JILL R & WILLIAM H KOCH II 3730 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0004 JOHN F KLICK 3703 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0005 ROBERT PRESLER 3709 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0009 ALISA A MILLER 3753 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0010 PAUL J FUHRMAN COLLEEN FUHRMAN 3759 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0015 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0016 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0020 PENNY J SAIKI 2874 CASCO POINT RD ORONO MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0021 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0022 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0023 PENNY J SAIKI 2874 CASCO POINT RD ORONO MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0026 STEVEN G SIGAFOOS 2900 CASCO PT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0027 CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0028 ANGELA L WILSON 2910 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0031 BENJAMIN M MAYER MEGHAN J HERMANN 2914 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0032 MARY STEPHANIE POWELL 2916 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0033 DENISE B DAU JAMES N DAU III 2920 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0034 JONATHAN A MENTH 2930 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0035 ROBERT G SORENSEN STACI D SORENSEN 2940 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0036 PAUL F JOHNCOX 2948 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0039 DONALD SCHRADER 3704 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0040 JAMES W & PATRICIA DONGOSKE 3700 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0041 PETER M GRAFFUNDER 3630 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0042 JON DUK KIM & YOUNG HYI AN 4700 COVEY TR MEDINA MN 55340 38 20-117-23 31 0043 SUSAN C STIELOW HOME LLC 3660 FORT CHARLES DR NAPLES FL 34102 38 20-117-23 31 0047 MICHELLE WILLIAMS-ABBOTT TR 2941 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0048 NANCY G BROWN 2933 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0049 DON ADAMS & SHEILA ADAMS 2927 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0050 JENNIFER L BREKKEN 2925 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0051 ALYSSA DWYER & ERIC BIERMANN 2915 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0052 ERIK C MELIN BETHANY H MELIN 2905 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0053 GREGGORY A SMITH MELANIE S SMITH 2895 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0054 LAWRENCE D & KATHERINE ELSEN 2879 CASCO POINT ROAD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0055 ALYSSA DWYER & ERIC BIERMANN 2917 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0056 R E WOLFE 2871 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0058 D R WELTY & M M JIN 3721 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0062 DAVID HEISER JENNIFER ANN HEISER 2740 CAROLINE AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0063 DENNIS-OARE TRUST MICHELE WILLIAMS-ABBOTT TRU 2967 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0065 THE CITY OF ORONO P O BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 31 0067 DAVID B ADAMS 2868 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0071 MARTI LYNN STEVEN ROBERT GOUDY 3750 CASCO AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0072 MICHAEL D BARRETT 2912 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 31 0073 DANIEL CLEMENT PALMER CHELSEA TAYLOR PALMER 2918 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 42 0005 CITY OF ORONO PO BOX 66 CRYSTAL BAY MN 55323 38 20-117-23 42 0006 HENNEPIN FORFEITED LAND NOT FOR SALE/UNDER WATER IN LAKE MTKA 38 20-117-23 42 0038 PAUL J TAUNTON 3600 IVY PL WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 42 0040 RUSSELL KOCON JACQUELINE GIBNEY 3570 IVY PL ORONO MN 55391 He nn epin Co u n ty L oc ate & N o tify Map 360 0 C a sco Avenu e 0 200 400100 Feet Da te : 10 /18/2 023 Buffer Size:500Map Co mm e nts : Th is d ata (i) is furn ish ed 'AS IS' with no represen ta tion as tocompleteness or accuracy; (ii) is fu rn ish ed with n o warra nty of anykind; an d (iii) is n ot suitable for le ga l, eng ineerin g or surve yingpurposes. Hennepin County shall not b e liab le for a ny da ma ge , in ju ryor loss resu lting from this dat a. Fo r mo re inf ormation , co nta ct Hen ne pin Co un ty GI S Off ice300 6th S tree t So uth , Minn ea polis, MN 5 5487 / gis.in fo@h en ne pin.us Date Application Received: 10/18/2023 Date Application Considered as Complete: 10/26/2023 60-Day Review Period Expires: 12/25/2023 To: Chair Bolis and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator From: Natalie Nye, Planner Date: November 20, 2023 Subject: #LA23-000061, Amy Eakman with Outdoor Excapes o/b/o Jereme & Stephanie Tom, 2601 Casco Point Road - Variance, Public Hearing Background The applicant is proposing to construct a new lake stair and retaining walls within the lakeyard. The property is currently experiencing erosion on the hillside that is impacting an existing lakeside shed and oak tree. The property currently has some boulders that are no longer preserving the hillside. The proposed design will protect the structural integrity of the shed and preserve a mature oak tree within the lakeyard. While new lake stairs are permitted within the lakeyard, a variance is required for any new retaining walls within the 75-foot lake setback. Practical Difficulties Analysis Applicant Submittal Information: The applicant has identified the erosion of the hillside and protection of the existing shed and mature tree as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance. Additionally, they have provided supporting documentation regarding Practical Difficulties attached as Exhibit B, and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Staff finds the existing conditions of the property and the preservation of the existing structure and tree as practical difficulties which support the variance request. The new retaining walls would support and protect the existing tree and existing shed on the property. Vegetative screening of the walls should be installed where possible. LOT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET Section 78-1279 – Setbacks: No retaining walls are permitted within the 75-foot lakeshore setback and therefore a setback variance is required. The proposed retaining walls are 28 feet and 50 feet from the OHWL. Section 78-1680 and 78-1700 – Hardcover Calculations: Retaining walls are excluded from the hardcover calculations. The property is compliant with the Application Summary: The applicant is requesting a 75-foot lake setback variance for the construction of new retaining walls within the lakeyard. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval. FILE #LA23-000061 November 20, 2023 Page 2 of 4 maximum hardcover requirement of 25%. Applicable Regulations: Lake Setback Variance (Section 78-1279) Retaining walls are not permitted within 75 feet of the lake, in order to construct two new retaining walls to replace the existing boulders, a setback variance has been requested. 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. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. §216C.06, subd. 14, when in harmony with this chapter. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under this chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. According to MN §462.357 Subd. 6(2) variances shall only be permitted when: 1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance. Preserving and protecting existing trees in the lake yard is in harmony with the intent of the ordinance. The requested variance will preserve a hillside from erosion and protect an existing mature oak tree. This criterion is met. 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The proposed retaining walls will continue to maintain the integrity of the slope and protect the existing tree and shed. The proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan. This criterion is met. 3. 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 owner proposes to install two new retaining walls which are residential in nature and reasonable from a residential scope. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The applicant has proposed retaining walls to protect the existing tree and existing shed on the property. There are existing boulders on the property that are no longer preserving the hillside. The proposed walls will support a new lake stair and preserve the integrity of an existing shed and mature tree. The current erosion of the hillside is not the result of actions by the owner; and c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The variance to permit two new retaining walls within the 75-foot lake setback will preserve an existing tree and existing structure on the property. This will preserve the character of the area. This criterion is met. FILE #LA23-000061 November 20, 2023 Page 3 of 4 Additionally City Code 78-123 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be granted as follows: 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. 5. Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 17, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78. This condition is not applicable. 6. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under Orono City Code Chapter 78 for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. This condition is not applicable, as residential improvements are permitted to support a residential use in the LR-1C District. 7. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. This condition is not applicable. 8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. The erosion of the hillside and the existing conditions of the property are unique conditions affecting the subject property. This criterion is met. 9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which the land is located. The issue of erosion on the hillside on the subject property does not apply to any adjacent properties. This criterion is met. 10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. Granting a setback variance to allow the retaining walls within the 75-foot lake setback to support a new lake stair and preserve a mature oak tree and existing shed is a reasonable solution. The variance is supported by practical difficulty. This criterion is met. 11. 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. Granting the lake yard setback variance allowing new retaining walls within the 75-foot lake setback will not adversely impact health, safety, comfort or morals, or in any way be contrary to the ordinances. This criterion is met. 12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. The proposed walls within the lake yard will continue to preserve the integrity of the slope, existing tree, and existing shed. Preserving the existing conditions of the property are not a convenience. This criterion is met. The Commission may recommend or Council may impose conditions in granting of variances. Any conditions imposed must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. No variance shall be granted or changed beyond the use permitted in this chapter in the district where such land is located. Public Comments The applicant has provided two letters from the adjacent neighbors in support of the variance request. FILE #LA23-000061 November 20, 2023 Page 4 of 4 Issues for Consideration 1. Does the Planning Commission find that that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner which is not permitted by an official control? 2. Does the Planning Commission find that the variance(s), if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood? 3. Does the Commission find it necessary to impose conditions in order to mitigate the impacts created by the granting of the requested variance(s)? 4. Are there any other issues or concerns with this application? Planning Staff Recommendation Planning Staff recommends approval of the lake setback variance for the construction of two new retaining walls as proposed with the following condition: 1. Additional screening of the walls be implemented to preserve the natural vegetated view from the lake where feasible. List of Exhibits Exhibit A. Application Exhibit B. Practical Difficulties Documentation Form Exhibit C. Narrative Exhibit D. Plans Exhibit E. Renderings Exhibit F. Hardcover Calculations Exhibit G. Existing Survey Exhibit H. Site Photos Exhibit I. Neighbor Support Letters Exhibit J. Address List & Map 10/30/23, 10:20 AM Permit Details | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=DisplayPermitDetail&SelectedTab=Permits&Permit_ID=13924536&WorkOrder_ID=877…1/1 Land Use Application Summary Application Date:10/18/2023 Address:2601 Casco Point Road Orono, MN 55391 Parcel Number:2011723240036 Land Use Number:LA23-000061 Application Submitted By:Agent on behalf of property owner Owner:Name: BRUCE J HEDBLOM AND Address: - Jereme & Stephanie Tom Applicant:Name: Amy Eakman Company: Outdoor Excapes of Lake Minnetonka Address: 2345 Daniels Street Long Lake, MN 55356 aeakman@outdoorexcapes.com Contact Information:Associated Contact: Jereme & Stephanie Tom jereme.tom@gmail.com Associated Contact: Hans Frees hfrees@outdoorexcapes.com Associated Contact: Associated Contact: Project Description:Retaining walls under 4' and steps to the Lake; within the 75' setback Land Use Application Type:Amendmend Application Appeal of Admin Decision Concept Application Conditional Use Permit Site Plan Application Subdivision Application Subdivision Exception Vacation Application Variance Application Applicant Signature: 10/30/23, 10:21 AM Permit Details | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=DisplayPermitDetail&SelectedTab=Permits&Permit_ID=13924536&WorkOrder_ID=877…1/2 PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM LA23-000061 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Chapter. Response: The request to permit residential improvements on the narrow lot within the lake setback appears to be reasonable considering the Property's small size and the neighboring support. The neighboring property owners have indicated similar hardships and agree they are in support and will not be adversely affected. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. Response: The unique step grade change between the existing structure and the large tree significantly impacts the lakeshore access. The conditions were not created by the owners. 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Response: The variance is requested in order to permit modifications to the improvements on the Property which are designed to fit the character of the neighborhood and improve neighbor's views. 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter. Response: Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. 5. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 116J.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter. Response: This condition is not applicable. 6. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments or the Council may not permit as a variance any use that is not allowed under this Chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. Response: This condition is not applicable, as residential improvements are an allowed use in the LR- 1A District. 7. The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. Response: This condition is not applicable. 8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. Response: The home on the Property and the neighboring homes are mostly in line and situated on smaller parcel lots resulting in a narrow area for improvements conforming to the 75’ lakeshore 10/30/23, 10:21 AM Permit Details | Citizenserve https://www5.citizenserve.com/Admin/PermitController?Action=DisplayPermitDetail&SelectedTab=Permits&Permit_ID=13924536&WorkOrder_ID=877…2/2 setback. This condition applies to the immediately adjacent properties. This criterion is met. 9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which said land is located. Response: The home on the Property and the neighboring homes are mostly in line and situated on smaller parcel lots resulting in a narrow area for improvements conforming to the 75’ lakeshore setback. This condition applies to the immediately adjacent properties. This criterion is met. 10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. Response: The variance supporting changes to the structures and hardcover within the lake setback area support the use of the Property and are necessary for the preservation of the property rights of the owners. The 75' lake setback variance improves the accessibility of the lot and results in a reduction in hardcover from the existing condition. 11. The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health, safety, comfort, morals, or in any other respect be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Code. Response: Granting the requested variance in this unique situation is not contrary to the intent of the zoning chapter. 12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. Response: The variance does not merely serve as a convenience to the Applicant. The variance is necessary as the Property has considerable practical difficulties impacting access and erosion concerns. Narrative: Subject: Request for Variance for Landscaping Steps and Retaining Walls within Lakeside 75' Setback Dear Members of the Orono City Council, We are writing to formally request a variance to install landscaping steps and retaining walls within the 75' lakeside setback of the property of Jereme and Stephanie Tom at 2601 Casco Point Road. Our request is driven by the need to address an issue related to hillside erosion, which is negatively impacting their lakeside shed and a significant oak tree on their property. The hardship they are experiencing is two-fold: Lakeside Shed Erosion: The existing hillside erosion has led to a buildup of soil around the lakeside shed, causing damage to its structure. The soil accumulation has resulted in rotting wood and damaged siding, compromising the safety and integrity of the shed. Installing a retaining wall will help mitigate further soil accumulation and erosion, thus safeguarding the lakeside shed from further deterioration. Preservation of Oak Tree: They have a mature oak tree on the hillside of their property that is not only an important aesthetic feature but also contributes to the ecological balance of the area. However, the ongoing erosion has begun to expose the tree's root structure, jeopardizing its health and longevity. To preserve the oak tree and its root system, we’re proposing to install a retaining wall to stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion. In granting us a variance for the installation of landscaping steps and retaining walls within the lakeside setback, we are committed to ensuring that the project complies with all necessary environmental and safety regulations. We will employ the best practices to minimize any potential adverse impact on the surrounding environment and the lake. We kindly request your consideration of our request and your understanding of the critical nature of these issues. Granting this variance will not only help us address the immediate concerns related to the lake hillside but also contribute to the long-term preservation of the natural beauty of the area. We appreciate your attention to this matter and welcome any site visits or additional information you may require to assess our request thoroughly. We look forward to your favorable decision and would be happy to attend any relevant hearings or meetings to discuss our request in more detail. Thank you for your time and consideration. Outdoor Excapes of Lake Minnetonka on behalf of Jereme and Stephanie Tom BC#653834 House 2,862 Driveway 880 Concrete walk/pad 199 Porch 169 Deck 238 Shed 83 Stone Retaining wall 143 4,574 sq ft 4,574 18,317 24.9700 2601 Casco Point Road Demarc Land Surveying 08/04/2023 Last Updated: January 2023 Note: This is an information sheet only, every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information contained herein; however, if any information is not consistent with provisions of the City Code, the Code provisions will prevail. Page 9 of 9 City of Orono Hardcover Calculation Worksheet Property Address: Prepared by: Date: Stormwater Quality Overlay District Tier: (Circle one) Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5 Step 2: PROPOSED HARDCOVER In the following table, identify all items of proposed hardcover on the property, keyed by letter to site plan or survey (must accompany this form). Include all existing hardcover items that are intended to remain, as well as all proposed hardcover items that will be added. Use as many lines as necessary to accurately depict proposed hardcover status of the property. For Tier 1 properties, identify any features by letter which are within the 75-foot setback or split at the 75’ setback line and calculate hardcover square footage separately for each portion. Key to Survey Hardcover Item (Describe) Length x Width Total (Square Feet) (Example) (Garage) (24’ x 30’) (720 S.F.) A S.F. B S.F. C S.F. D S.F. E S.F. F S.F. G S.F. H S.F. I S.F. J S.F. K S.F. L S.F. M S.F. N S.F. O S.F. P S.F. Q S.F. R S.F. S S.F. T S.F. U S.F. V S.F. W S.F. X S.F. Y S.F. Z S.F. (1) Total Proposed Hardcover S.F. Excludable Hardcover (See City Code Sec 78-1684): S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F. (2) Total Excludable Hardcover S.F. (3) Net Proposed Hardcover [Subtract line (2) from line (1)] S.F. (4) Total Lot Area S.F. Proposed Hardcover Percentage [ (3) ÷ (4) ] % 931.9936.7949.0PowerPole948.5SSanitary Manholerim=948.24Catch Basinrim=947.91Catch Basinrim=948.06948.3948.4PowerPole948.8Ttped950.7949.8949.1948.9948.3948.2947.3947.4952.1952.4953.1951.0950.3GuyAnchorPowerPole951.9953.4944.8944.3947.9947.1945.9944.7943.5940.5943.1940.5937.9937.8942.8943.8940.9939.6938.1937.8940.6937.3936.1934.7936.0936.2938.8943.1929.1929.4929.4929.1933.4945.4946.3943.3943.3941.5941.0941.4932.7932.4932.5932.7931.9elec929.0929.4930.1929.4929.1Water Elevation929.07929.1929.4930.3931.5929.4929.1929.1929.4929.4929.113.1 53.519.3 P o r c h10.08.210.08.2 D e c kN 16°36'36" E 51.46S u r v e y - l i n e 2.9 30.92.4 S 89°28'34" E 252.49N 79°13'00" W 233.54109.028.8 Ca s c o P o i n t R o a d 930936938940944 946952950 94894895095296.412±28±7'6" 15'0"24.10.573.114.5 15.07.5 7.4 35.84.5 24.032.1 9'11 1/4"13'5"12'6 1/2"20.5 8.0 10.07'1"20'7 1/2"946.7944.5944.4944.3944.3944.3944.4944.2943.7942.2944.1950.4950.3950.1GF950.3950.294 9 . 9 949.3949.0948.6948.4949.0948.4948.9948.5948.3948.4949.9950.1949.8949.7949.3949.2948.6949.4949.3949.8950.1950.1951.5951.0950.1949.7949.4949.6949.8950.3950.7951.8952.2951.5952.0950.2950.2950.3950.2950.4950.2950.3949.4950.0950.6949.8950.4950.2950.0950.4950.2950.1950.9951.0950.7950.9950.0951.3951.7951.4950.1950.7950.1949.6950.8950.3944.4944.5944.8948.3948.4948.6949.6950 948948946 Residence No. 2601tw947.9bw945.9S h o r e l i n eHWL = 929.4ShedCant.tw949.0bw944.5S t o n e W a l lC a n t i l e v e rC o n c r e t e O v e r h e a d W i r e sL a k e M i n n e t o n k aRip-Rap Rip-Rap Abandoned Orono AvenueAdjacent B u i l d i n g s Site Line To closest l a k e s i d e corner of h o u s e C a n t.D e c k P o r c h 12.2T i m b e r W a l lO v e r h e a d W i r e s S 2 2 ° 3 6 ' 3 0 " W 9 8 . 2 4 WALLRETAINEDUNDERDECKDrivewayPlanterD e c k tnh951.9894.5NE CornerLot 141 SPRING PARKF:\survey\winships sub of Lot 1 spring park 2nd division\2601 casco point road\01 Surveying - 90077\01 CAD\01 Source\02 Final Grade.dwgBasis forbearings isassumedSurveyors Certificatex000.0Denotes Existing ElevationDenotes Surface DrainageDenotes Iron MonumentDenotes Found Iron MonumentDenotes Existing ContoursBenchmark: Top Nut Hydrant on West Side of Casco PointRoad south of Driveway of Residence No. 2617.Elevation = 951.98Drawn BySignedGregory R. Prasch, Minn. Reg. No. 24992Scale: 1" = 20'F.B.No.Project No.The only easements shown are from plats of record or informationprovided by client.I certify that this survey, plan, or report was prepared by me or under mydirect supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Land Surveyor underthe laws of the State of MinnesotarevAddress:7601 73rd Avenue NorthMinneapolis, Minnesota 55428(763) 560-3093DemarcInc.comNOTE: The only easements shown are from plats of recordor information provided by client.CORTLAND CUSTOM HOMESProperty located in Section20, Township 117, Range 23,Hennepin County, Minnesota90077C2601 Casco Point RoadOrono, MNPrepared this 4th day of August 2023.That part of Block 1, and that part of Lots 14, 15, and 16, Block 2, and that part of abandoned Orono Avenue, all in "Winship'sSubdivision of Lot 1, Spring Park, 2nd Division, described as commencing at the Northeasterly corner of Lot 141, Spring Park; thenceNortheasterly along the extension of the Easterly line of said Lot 141 a distance of 94.5 feet to the point of beginning; thenceNorthwesterly, deflecting to the left 101 degrees 13 minutes, to the shore of Lake Minnetonka, said line hereinafter referred to as Line"A"; thence Northerly along said shore to the North line of said Block 1; thence East to the point of intersection of the North line of saidLot 14 with a line drawn parallel with and 30 feet Northwesterly from the Northeasterly extension of the Westerly line of Lots 14, 15, 16,and 17, Block 3 "Winship's Subdivision of Lot 1, Spring Park, 2nd Division; thence southwesterly along said parallel line to itsintersection with the Southeasterly extension of said Line "A"; thence Northwesterly along the extension of said Line "A" to the point ofbeginning. According to the recorded Plat thereof.Legal DescriptionProperty Zoned LR-1C, One Family Lakeshore Residential - 12 AcreBuilding Setback Requirements per Zoning Ordinance Front - 30 feet Side (Interior) - 10 feet Side (Street) - 15 feet Rear - 30 feet OHWL - 75/100/150* Wetland - 25 feet or MCWD Buffer*OHWL setback is determined by the classification of the lake as defined insection 78-1217 and the applied minimum setback from the OHWL asoutlined in section 78-1279.1128-09Final Grade Survey For:ALetters refer to Orono HardcoverWorksheet objects (PROPOSED)HGAEFBDICExisting HardcoverLot Area18,317 sq ftBuilding2,862 sq ftDriveway880 sq ftConc walk/Pad199 sq ftPorch169 sq ftDeck238 sq ftShed83 sq ftStone wall143 sq ftTotal4,574 sq ftPercentage24.97%PC Exhibit G 1 Amy Eakman From:Stephanie T <stephanie.boudeman@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 11, 2023 3:01 PM To:Amy Eakman; Drew Torrence; Hans Frees; Lauren Haugen Cc:Jereme Tom Subject:Fwd: Variance approval Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hi! Here is an email from one of our neighbors for support of the variance. I’ll forward the email from the other neighbor as soon as I have it. Thanks Stephanie Tom ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Rewati Teeparti <rewati.teeparti@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 2:48 PM Subject: Variance approval To: <Stephanie.boudeman@gmail.com> To whom so ever it may concern, We have reviewed the plans that the Tom’s are requesting the variance for and are in support of the work. Thanks, Rewati Teeparti Sent from my iPhone 1 Amy Eakman From:Jereme <jereme.tom@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 11, 2023 3:57 PM To:Drew Torrence; Lauren Haugen; Amy Eakman; Hans Frees Subject:Fwd: Casco Landscaping Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hi! Here is the email from our other neighbors for support of the variance. Thanks Jereme Tom Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Jeff & Wendy Dankey <wapaspen@gmail.com> Date: October 11, 2023 at 3:50:30 PM CDT To: JEREME.TOM@gmail.com Subject: Casco Landscaping To the city of orono, We, Jeff and Wendy Dankey are good with our neighbor, Jereme Tom, and the addition of two retaining walls (one behind their boat house and the other in front the tree at the top of where the stairs will be) and to add in steps down to the lake where they once were. Thanks Jeff and Wendy Dankey 38 20-117-23 21 0020 LINDA K O'NEEL/ROBERT O'NEEL 2520 DUNWOODY AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0021 EMILY M DUNLAP 2540 DUNWOODY AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0023 KURT KENNAN KROLL JR AMY ELIZABETH KROLL 2560 DUNWOODY AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0024 CHARLES & CAROL PRICE 2813 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0030 STEVEN M HENTGES JEANETTE MARIE HENTGES 13780 OLD BRICK YARD ROAD SHAKOPEE MN 55379 38 20-117-23 21 0031 MICHAEL J RUSINKO MARY L RUSINKO 2565 DUNWOODY AVE WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0032 WENDY W DANKEY 2599 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0034 MATTHEW W & SARAH J DAVIS BLAKE E & JULIA J LARSON 2590 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 21 0035 PATRICK FITZGERALD 2598 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 22 0017 JAMES S NORDLIE PO BOX 2223 BOCA GRANDE FL 33921 38 20-117-23 22 0018 PATRICIA M DILLON ROBERT L DILLON 4702 SUNNYSIDE RD EDINA MN 55424 38 20-117-23 23 0001 GERALD ERICKSON SANDRA ERICKSON PO BOX 584 WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 23 0020 ZHIHUA LIU & YING LIU 2677 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 23 0021 DAVID D GUTERMUTH LYNN J GUTERMUTH 2665 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 23 0022 ATRION FAIOLA & LISA FAIOLA 2659 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0002 TODD M KIMMES 2660 CASCO PT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0003 DAVID L RUNKLE 2684 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0029 DUSTIN J KINDL CASIE L KINDL 2649 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0030 TIM HANSON 1270 ARBOR ST WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0031 PATRICIA REDMOND WEBBER 15159 TECHNOLOGY DR. EDEN PRAIRIE MN 55344 38 20-117-23 24 0032 THOMAS & PATRICIA KUBALAK 2623 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0035 REWATI TEEPARTI 2617 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0036 JEREME TOM & STEPHANIE TOM 2601 CASCO POINT RD ORONO MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0038 JENNIFER HARRIS QUINTIN ANDREW HARRIS 2618 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0039 JEANNE KOBS & MICHAEL KOBS 2648 CASCO PT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0042 PAUL J KASTER 2600 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 38 20-117-23 24 0043 PAUL J & MARY E KASTER 2600 CASCO POINT RD WAYZATA MN 55391 He nn epin Co u n ty L oc ate & N o tify Map 260 1 C a sco Pt R d 0 100 20050 Feet Da te : 10 /23/2 023 Buffer Size:500Map Co mm e nts : Th is d ata (i) is furn ish ed 'AS IS' with no represen ta tion as tocompleteness or accuracy; (ii) is fu rn ish ed with n o warra nty of anykind; an d (iii) is n ot suitable for le ga l, eng ineerin g or surve yingpurposes. Hennepin County shall not b e liab le for a ny da ma ge , in ju ryor loss resu lting from this dat a. Fo r mo re inf ormation , co nta ct Hen ne pin Co un ty GI S Off ice300 6th S tree t So uth , Minn ea polis, MN 5 5487 / gis.in fo@h en ne pin.us