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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLA18-000056 Neugent (710 Big Island) VAR Exhibit D Draft PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 18, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair John Thiesse, Commissioners Bob Erickson, Dennis Libby, Mark McCutcheon, Chad Olson, and Jon Ressler. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, City Planners Melanie Curtis and Laura Oakden, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Dennis Walsh was present. Chair Thiesse called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. LA18-000056 STUART CLEAVELAND, BLACK BEAR BUILDERS, 710 BIG ISLAND, VARIANCES, 6:37 P.M. – 6:49 P.M. Stuart Cleaveland, Black Bear Builders, and Christopher Neugent, owner, were present. Oakden stated the applicant is requesting variances for hardcover and a retaining wall in the 75-foot lake yard setback. The applicant proposes three improvements within the 75-foot lake yard labeled A, B, and C on the plan. Improvements A and B are permitted by code and no variances are necessary. Improvement C requires a variance and is the subject of this application. The property currently has a small path with a retaining wall to access the west dock. The retaining wall is failing with a significantly slanted walking path. Included as part of the proposed improvements are extensive landscaping around the shoreline and throughout the property. The applicants are further proposing to remove four trees within the 75-foot lake yard and will plant eight native trees in various locations in the lake yard. The applicant is also proposing a 4-foot walkway from the main dock and stairs to the house as well as additional hardcover for access from the lake to the detached garage. They are proposing to use a variety of materials including pavers on the walking, rock to match the existing riprap along the shore, geogrid grass pavers, and gravel pavers. These improvements are allowed per City Code 78-1282(6) for handicap accessibility. The entire property is located lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line determined by the properties at 700 Big Island and 720 Big Island. Within 75 feet of the ordinary high water level of any lake no hardcover shall be placed, located or constructed except regulated by the Shoreland Overlay District. Staff finds due to the nature of the lot at the point of the island there are practical difficulties supporting granting the 75-foot lake yard setback and hardcover in the lake yard variances for access improvements to the property. The applicant is looking to reconstruct a failing retaining wall and walkway for access to the west dock. As part of the project, the applicant will be adding hardcover in the 75-foot lake yard to create access for a handicap family member to the cabin from the lake. No public comments have been received. Staff recommends approval of the proposed improvements. Thiesse asked if Staff is sure the wall will not exceed 4 feet. Council LA18-000056 Exhibit D MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 18, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Oakden stated to her knowledge it will not but the applicant can better address that. Thiesse noted if the wall exceeds four feet, it will need to be engineered. Libby asked if there is an aerial of the property. Libby stated he is interested in the proximity of the adjacent property. Oakden displayed an aerial photograph of the property and pointed out the location of the lot, the adjoining property, and the proposed dock. Ressler asked what type of material the retaining wall will be constructed out of. Oakden stated to her knowledge it is rock. Stuart Cleaveland, Black Bear Builders, stated included in the Planning Commission packet should be a picture depicting the proposed wall. Cleaveland indicated it will be a boulder wall, with pavers on the flat portion. Cleaveland stated unfortunately their landscape architect is running behind and is not here yet. Libby commented this is a great location on the Island. Libby asked if there have been any conversations with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Oakden noted the dock will require approval from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and that it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain that permit. City Staff will not issue the building permit until that approval from the MCWD is received. Cleaveland indicated they are still in communication with the MCWD and that he will be contacting them after the meeting. Cleaveland stated he has not heard of any issues at this point. Neugent stated the slope is basically falling and that their intent is to stabilize it. Ressler asked if they will also be doing riprap. Neugent indicated that is there currently. Cleaveland stated the riprap they are proposing is in a different location. Ressler asked if that is noted in the Staff report. Oakden stated she noted in the memorandum that they are realigning the path and retaining wall but that she will clarify that before it goes before the City Council. Thiesse stated a lot of times the City will require screening along the shoreline to conceal the wall somewhat but that since it is a boulder retaining wall, it will not look much different than the riprap along the shore in a number of different locations along the Island. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 18, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Cleaveland stated to his knowledge they will be doing vegetation around the retaining wall. Oakden pointed out the dark green on the map is the area where the applicants are working with the MCWD to improve the shoreline and that there will be vegetation included with that. Thiesse asked if there will be a sidewalk to the lake. Oakden stated project areas A and B fall under the City’s handicap accessibility code. McCutcheon asked if there were previous steps or whether the area is pretty flat. Neugent stated the path itself is very crooked and unstable and is a dangerous path. McCutcheon commented he is glad the buffer area has been increased. Oakden stated to her knowledge there are no stairs in that area. McCutcheon stated he was concerned about runoff going down the stairs and into the lake. Neugent stated by moving the path further back, that will help with the runoff and will be better for the lakeshore. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. There were no public comments relating to this application. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. Thiesse stated the application is very straight forward and that they are working hard to maintain and preserve the shoreline. Olson moved, Erickson seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA18-000056, Stuart Cleaveland, 710 Big Island, granting of hardcover variances. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.