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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLA20-000005 (2665 Casco Pt Rd) Ex B Pract Diff NarrativePRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM LA20-000005 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Chapter. Response: The existing boat house was resided and roofed while contractor built a new home on site. With the intent of improving the aesthetics of the old boat house without changing the foot print the architect enhanced the lake side facade by adding stone to match the house, a small gable over the lake side door and a chimney stack for a little detail. The boat house as resided and re roofed to match the house. It was not the intent to add volume to the structure nor was volume added. However upon inspection by the city the addition of the stone front, the gable and the chimney were determined to increase the envelope of the structure. It is the feeling of the homeowner that these aesthetic changes only work to enhance the lake shore attractiveness and do not encroach on any neighbor, hardcover or other areas. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. Response: Boat house construction supersedes homeowners ownership of the property 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Response: Correct. It enhances the character of the locality 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter. Response: N/A 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: N/A 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: The conditions apply only to this property and structure and do not impact neighboring properties 9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which said land is located. Response: The conditions apply only to this property and structure and do not impact neighboring properties 10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. Response: N/A 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: N/A 5159 Main Street Suite 200 Maple Plain, MN 55359 763.479.3117 Variance Request 2665 Casco Point Road Orono MN Gordon James Construction recently built a custom home for the Gutermuth Family at the above address. When the family purchased the home a few years before the property included a boat house at the lake shore. During the course of the planning and construction of the new home the family requested the boat house be updated. The boat house was in poor repair and needed new roofing and siding and they wanted the appearance from the lake to be improved and for the boat house to match the color, materials and look of the new home. Architectural designs were created which maintained the integrity of the basic structure and added a gable over the new entry door, a chimney stack to emulate the homes chimney and a stone façade to enhance the appearance from the lake and complement the house. Focus was on maintaining the footprint to stay within the strict hard cover requirements of the property. It was overlooked at the time of design that these elements changed the overall envelop of the boathouse and they were included in the renovations. At the time of the final inspection for the certificate of occupancy it was noted that these elements were outside the allowed modifications and that a variance was necessary to maintain the elements on the boathouse. Also noted in the final inspection are dock sections which are placed in front and the side of the boat house. It is the homeowners intent to remove those dock sections as winter conditions subside in the spring. Steps will be continued from the boat house to the grade level. The variance is being requested to be able to keep the boat house as finished. The added elements enhance the like-side look of the structure, complement the aesthetics of the house and of the overall look of the Point, do not interfere with line of sight from either neighbor and has in fact turned an eyesore into an attractive lake lifestyle element. 5159 Main Street Suite 200 Maple Plain, MN 55359 763.479.3117 Original Boathouse Architectural Drawing – no good photos exist of finished structure.