HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-05-10 Memo, Setback of Existing Homest. NE1GH130RING H 0MES
It is our understanding that the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District, as well as the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and
the Village of Orono, wjiere the Proposed House is planned, all give
consideration to variances in the lake setback where Neighboring
Homes are clo�-r to the lake.
As shown on the Aerial Photo, immediately to the west on
Brown's Bay are three homes wt,r-h are about ten to fifteen feet back
from the lake. They haire beeri,,q&�ed for better visual definition.
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Also, the location of the Proposed House is in a
1.2-mile stretch of lakeshore, south- OL.--liwest facing on Brown's Bay,
and fronting on West Ferndale Road. are 21 homes on that
1.2 miles of lakeshore, and they are substantial homes that are
permanent in nature, except for one cottage. The average setback
of these 21 homes is less than 30 feet. And none of them is 75 feet
back from the lake. In fact, it is doubtful if any of the 21 homes
are more than the 40 feet back requested for the Proposed [louse.
2. RE5TbRAT101\1
Many villages within the area of the ,Minnehalri (:Peek Watershed District
have geared their variance grants in the direction of'1tcstoration. For example,
in well -run Woodland Village on Lake Minnetonka, it is almost i,npossihle to
procure a variance except in the instance of replacing .1 structure, improving
by demolishing the old and building the new.
A little over a year ago when we demolisli(xi five old houses and four
garages on this property and divided it into just two lots, the residents along
West Ferndale Road were highly pleased and complimentary. We were even informed
that the Village of Orono would have looked favorbaly upon as many as three
houses to replace the five that were demolished on 45(1 feat of lakeshore.
Since then, we have proceeded on the basis of Restoration, or replacement.
Fifty-seven large truckloads, most of them thick clay soil and underground concrete
and debris, were hauled away at the time of demolition. Most of them are being
replaced with black dirt, many not at all. Dore than $5,000 has been spent on
plantings and stone walls in an attempt to beautify an area that had been permitted
to run down over the years.
We have been in constant contact with the Village Inspectator and the
Village Zoning Administrator who have been very helpful in guiding our efforts.
They even consulted with the engineer who serves Cie Village of Orono. And
they have given valuable advice and suggestions. l setback of the Orono
ordinances is 35 feet from the lake, so we felt 1'ree to proceed on the basis
of 40 feet. And this is the setback line of the main house (which the Proposed
House will replace) of the five that were demolished. Much of the work that
has been accomplished would have to he ripped out, especially a $1,000 stone wall,
if the setback were to be 75 feet.
A two -year -old well with submersed pump which we hope to use has been
the guide in all plans. It could not be used if' the house is set back to the
newly subscribed 75 feet. Also, the levels of the previous house as well as
the previous yard levels have been planned.
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