2 Variance 491 Trap Line LaneCITY OF
BOA DATE: 6/17/97
CC DATE:
CASE #: 97-5 Variance
By: A1-Jaff/v
STAFF
REPORT
PROPOSAL:
LC CATION:
APPLICANT:
A 45 Foot Setback Variance from a Natural Wetland to Construct a Deck
491 Trap Line Lane
Roger and Gail Stech
491 Trap Line Lane
Chanhassen, MN
(612)470-4473
.J
PPd~SENT ZONING:
ACREAGE:
PUD-R, Planned Unit Development Residential
1.48 acres
hJ
DENSITY:
ADJACENT ZONING AND
LAND USE:
WATER AND SEWER:
PI-_-YSICAL CHARACTER.:
2000 LAND USE PLAN:
N - Vacant residential - City of Shorewood
S - PUD, single family
E -'PUD, single family
W - PUD, single family
Available to the site.
The site is adjacent to a Natural wetland.
Low Density Residential
Stech Variance
June 17, 1997
Page 2
BACKGROUND
On February 8, 1984, the City Council approved the final plat for Chestnut Ridge Phase II.
Setbacks from the natural wetland appear to not have been taken into consideration when the depth
of those lots were approved. The ordinance required a 75 foot setback from the edge of the natural
wetland.
In June, 1988, the City approved a building permit for a house for the subject residence to be built
approximately 45 feet from the edge of the natural wetland. Again, we are uncertain as to why the
variance situation was not caught during review of the building permit.
On July 23, 1990, the owner of the property applied for a variance to construct a porch and a deck
on the site. The same setback variance was also requested. The Board of Adjustments and Appeals
approved the variance, subject to conditions. The decision was appealed to the City Council. The
City Council approved the variance. Variances are valid for one year. If substantial work is not
performed within one year, the variance will be rendered null and void. The applicant did not
construct the deck and the variance expired. The home was sold to a new party (Mr. and Mrs.
Stech). They wish to construct a deck only with an identical foot print to that which was approved
on July 23, 1990. Since the variance has expired, the applicant must go through the process again,
hence the variance application.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Section 20-406 (b) of the City Code states that all structures must maintain a 75 foot setback from a
Natural wetland for lots of record created before December 14, 1992.
ANALYSIS
The applicant is proposing to build a deck within 30 feet of a Natural wetland. The Zoning
Ordinance requires a 75 foot setback. The rear elevation of the house shows 3 sliding doors that
were put there for the purpose of constructing a future deck. Errors appear to have been made by
the City that resulted in the creation of a lot that was difficult, if not impossible, to build upon
without a variance. The error was compounded by approval of a building permit which resulted in
the construction of a home without obtaining a variance. At the time these actions were taken, staff
was working under enormous pressure being both shorthanded and faced with a large number of
development proposals. Since that time a number of administrative changes have been undertaken
to hopefully eliminate this problem and the City has since adopted methods to improve wetland
identification. A variance may be granted by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals or City
Council only if all of the following criteria are met:
St~ch Variance
Jul ~e 17, 1997
Page 3
a.f
:
That the literal enforcement of this chapter would cause undue hardship. Undue hardship
means that the property cannot be put to reasonable use because of its size, physical
surroundings, shape or topography. Reasonable use includes a use made by a majority of
comparable property within 500 feet of it. The intent of this provision is not to allow a
proliferation of variances but to recognize that and develop neighborhoods pre-existing
standards exist. Variances that blend with these pre-existing standards without departing
downward from them meet this criteria.
Staff conducted a survey within the 500 feet of the surrounding area and discovered
that the 6 houses that abut the wetland, 3 have setbacks less than 75 feet, while the
other 3 have either 75 feet or more. The 3 residences that are located within the 75
foot setback area were approved under the following conditions:
Lot 2, Block 3 - Did not appear in front of the Planning Department but was
approved by the Building Department only.
Lot 4, Block 3 - Shows the wetland as a utility and drainage easement on the
registered land survey, therefore, it was approved under that condition.
The subject residence, which is located on Lot 5, Block 3, has an extremely small
buildable area. The setback dimensions were overlooked by staff and the building
permit was approved. All 5 residences surrounding the subject property have
existing decks and 50% of those properties are encroaching on the wetland setback.
Therefore, granting the variance will allow the subject property to blend with these
existing standards without departing downward from them (Attachment #1). In
addition, we note that the home on this site is comparable with others in the
neighborhood and that a deck is considered to be a reasonable amenity.
bo
The conditions upon which a petition for a variance is based are not applicable, generally, to
other property within the same zoning classification.
The conditions upon which this petition for a variance is based is not applicable
generally to other properties within the same zoning classification outside of the
immediate area.
C,
The purpose of the variation is not based upon a desire to increase the value or income
potential of the parcel of land.
This does not appear to be the case. The applicant is simply attempting to utilize the
parcel for the single family residential uses it was approved for.
Stech Variance
June 17, 1997
Page 4
d. The alleged difficulty or hardship is not a self created hardship.
The hardship is not self created. The hardship began when the City made the
decision to approve the lot as a buildable lot. Parcel size and setback measurements
where overlooked when approving the plat. Since the year 1989, staff has been
reviewing building plans for proposed residences and locating any sliding doors that
might be used for a future deck and alerting the homeowner as to whether they may
be able to build a deck depending on the setbacks of the home to the property line.
Staff has also been working to clarify wetland locations both during platting and
building permit review.
The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare of injurious to
other land or improvements in the neighborhood in which the parcel is located.
The granting of the variance will not be detrimental or injurious to other land or
improvements in the neighborhood. The deck and porch will be located within 30
feet of the Class B wetland and will be constructed above the high water mark. The
~vetland is heavily protected by existing vegetation and staff feels comfortable with
allowing a deck and a porch to be constructed within 30 feet of the edge of the
wetland.
The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent
property or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets or increases the danger
of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values
within the neighborhood.
The granting of the variance will allow a deck and porch to be constructed at a
reasonable distance from the adjoining properties. Therefore, it will not impair an
adequate supply of light and air to those properties, nor will it increase the
congestion of the public streets or increase the danger of fire or endanger the public
safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood.
RECOMMENDATION
For the above findings, staff is recommending the following motion:
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals approves Variance 97-5 for a 45 foot setback variance from
a natural wetland for the construction of a deck with the following condition:
1. The applicant uses Type/51 erosion control along the edge of the wetland.
St0ch Variance
Jur~e 17, 1997
Page 5
ATTACHMENTS
o
Plat map showing existing setbacks from the edge of the wetland.
Site plan showing proposed deck.
Application.
S~/4 cot of.
Se:. 36.
.,
DESIGNER/BUILDE~
3941 COLGATE A~EN ~ iE
MINNETONKA, MN ~345
CONTRACTOR
lICENSE 5:6033
FAX: 404-1380
BUSINESS: 404-13
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Complete Custom Remodeling and Home Office Solutions Since 1979
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
(612) 937-1900
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW APPLICATION
APPLICANT:
ADDRESS: ~/'~
TELEPHONE (Day time)
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
__ Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Conditional Use Permit
__ Temporary Sales Permit
Vacation of ROW/Easements
Interim Use Permit
Non-conforming Use Permit
_~ Variance
Wetland Alteration Permit
Planned Unit Development*
Zoning Appeal
Rezoning
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Sign Permits
Sign Plan Review
Site PJan Review* X
Subdivision*
Notification Sign
Escrow for Filing Fees/Attorney Cost**
($50 CUPISPR/VACNAR/W AP/Metes
and Bounds, $400 Minor SUB)
TOTALFEE$
A list of ali property owners within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property must be included with the
application.
Building material samples must be submitted with site plan reviews.
*Twenty-six full size folded copies of the plans must be submitted, including an 81/2'' X 11" reduced copy of
transparency for each plan sheet.
.:
** Escrow will be required for other applications through the development contract
:NOTE-When multiple applications are processed, the appropriate fee shall be charged for each application.
~OCAT, ON
LE~ DESCRIPTION
TOTAL ACI~EAGE
:
WE3'I._AND$ PRESENT
P~~ONING
P~QUEST~ ZONING
YES NO
PRESENT LAND USE DESIGNATION
REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION
]:~_ASON FOR THIS REQUEST ,-- ~-- '~ ~-~
Th~s applica:ion must be completed in full and be typewritten or clearly printed and must be accompanied by all information
and plans required by applicable City Ordinance provisions. Before filing this application, you should confer with the Planning
Department 1o determine the specific ordinance and procedural requirements applicable to your application.
Qo determ~n~on of completeness of the application shall be made within ten business days of application submittal. A written
rice of apj~lication deficiencies shall be mailed to the applicant within ten business days of application.
'Th~'s is to ce,'tify that ! am making application for the described action by the City and that I am responsible for complying with
all City requ'-ements with regard to this request. This applicat, ion should be processed in my name and I am the party whom
~the City should contact regarding any matter pertaining to this application. I have attached a copy of proof of ownership (either
copy of Owrmr's Duplicate Certificate of Title, Abstract of Title or purchase agreement), or I am the authorized person to make
this applica~n and the fee owner has also signed this application.
I w~ 'keep myseff informed of the deadlines for submission of material and the progress of this application. I further
understand :hat additional fees may be charged for consulting fees, feasibility studies, etc. with an estimate prior to any
authorizatior to proceed with the study. The documents and information I have submitted are true and correct to the best of
m y ,know~ed~e.
-the c'~ hereby notifies the applicant that development review cannot be completed within 60 days due to public hearing
requirements and agency review. Therefore, the city is notifying the applicant that the city requires an automatic 60 day
extension for development review. Development review shall be completed within 120 days unless additional review
extensions a-re approved by the applicant.
Sic
Received on Fee Paid Receipt No.
should contact staff for a copy of the staff report which will be available on Friday prior to the meeting.
if not cont~ cted, a copy of the report will be mailed to the applicant's address.
NoT CE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
AND APPEALS ~.....i.
T~ ESDAY, JUNE 17, 1997
fY2' / ~;~:~ -- PleasantLV~ew Ro'
.....
at 6:00 p.m. ,, ,.
Ci.ty Hall - 690 Coulter Drive ~__ . ."-; ,. ;~.. ~ ~ "..-~ ,... ../.'. ,. ~.../.../. ,. '~'~ ~ .-_..~.. '~'?---..,..~ -:-': ~ ,. ........ :: ................... · ........
Council Chambers
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SUBJECT: Variance to Construct Deck
within the 75 foot Wetland Setback
APPLICANT: Roger and Gail Stech
LOCATI3N: 491 Trapline Lane
NOTICE: You are invited to attend a public hearing about a proposal in your area. The
applica ~ts, Roger and Gail Stech, is requesting a variance to allow the construction of a deck
within the 75 foot wetland setback on property zoned PUD and located at 491 Trapline Lane.
What Happens at the Meeting: The purpose of this public hearing is to inform you about the
develol:'er's request and to obtain input from the neighborhood about this project. During the
meetin.c, the Commission Chair will lead the public hearing through the following steps:
1. Staf' will give an overview of the proposed project.
2. The 3eveloper will present plans on the project.
3. Con'ments are received from the public.
4. Publ'c hearing is closed and the Commission discusses project. The commission will then
make a recommendation to the City Council.
Questior s and Comments: If you want to see the plans before the meeting, please stop by City
Hall during office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you wish to talk to
someon; about this project, please contact Sharmin at 937-1900 ext. 120. If you choose to
submit written comments, it is helpful to have one copy to the department in advance of the meeting.
Staff will provide copies to the Commission.
',
Notice o' this public hearing has been published in the Chanhassen Villager on June 5, 1997.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN C/O CITY TREASURER DONALD W & JEWEL K HASEK
OR CURRENT RESIDENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT
690 COULTER DR PO BOX 147 6310 STAGHORN DR
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317 CHANHASSEN, MI~ 55317
ROGER L & GAYLE D STECK
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
491 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MIq 55317
CITY OF CHANHASSEN C/O CITY TREASURER
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
690 COULTER DR PO BOX 147
CHA_NHASSEN, MN 55317
GRADY M FERGUSON & SANDRA HUGHES
FERGUSON
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6311 STAGHORN LN
CHANHASSEN, PIN 55317
ANDREW J REUL & JENNIFER SIX
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
500 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
DWAYNE R & FRA_NCINE SIGLER
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6397 OXBOW BND
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
DANIEL & VIRGINIA B ANDERSON
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6399 OXBOW BND
CHAAHiASSEN, M/q 55317
M_ARK J & TERRY J DENUCCI
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6301 SUMMIT CIR
CHANHASSEN, Mlq 55317
DALE A & DIANNA K FEHRENBACH
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
421 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
GERALD & CAN-DICE CRANDALL
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
501 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
DUANE L & MARCIA E MCCONKEY
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
401 TRAPPERS PASS
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
JOHN C & GERI~NNE MANN
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6401 OXBOW BND
CHANPLASSEN, ~ 55317
THOMAS L & ELLEN C MARSH
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
430 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
DAVID E & JUDY J BENDA
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
411 TRAPPERS PASS
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
FRANK J MESSINA JR & ROSEMARY M
MESSINA
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6403 OXBOW BND
CHA_NHASSEN, MIW 55317
JOHN W & LINDA L MICHAEL
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
431 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, Mlq 55317
JAMES J & KAREN D'AMBRISI
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6321 STAGHORN LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
TIMOTHY P & JEANNE M PIETRINI
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6405 OXBOW BND
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
J JEFFREY RUEGEMER & COLLEEN D
RUEGEMER
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
460 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
JAMES A & JUDITH E EARNSHAW
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6407 OXBOW BND
CHA1WHASSEN, MN 55317
DONALD E & ¥~ARY A JACOBY
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
461 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
R DAVID & JOYCE E SUBERVILLE
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6408 OXBOW BND
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
AARON J & SHEILA K ROTH
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
480 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
CYNTHIA G FRENCH
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
6300 STAGHORN LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
'.
ROBERT A & LINDA J HARRINGTON
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
481 TRAPLINE LN
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317