Development Review Application and Narrative?c >ort.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPM ENT DEPARTMENT
Planning Division -7700 Market Boulevard
Mailing Address - P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: (952) 227 -1300 / Fax: (952) 227 -1 1 10
Submittal Date:
*crTYoIcrrAttrrAssrtt
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
cc Dare: 7 -2'.{ ' t R 6sDay Rsview Dar€:la-2-tB
(Refer to the appropiate Application Checklist for required submiftal information that must accompany this application)
tr
tr
a
n
n
tr
n
n
n
tr
Comprehensive Plan Amendment ..... $600E Minor MUSA line for failing on-site sewers..... $100
Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
! Singte-Family Residence ................................ $325! Ail others......... ........$425
lnterim Use Permit (lUP)
E ln conjunction with Single-Family Residence.. $325E lttothers......... ........$425
Rezoning (REZ)
! Planned Unit Development (PUD).................. $750n Minor Amendment to existing PUD................. $100n Rlt others......... ........$5oo
Sign Plan Review........ ... $150
Site Plan Review (SPR)
I Administrative.......... .................... $100E Commercial/lndustrial Districts* .. $500
Plus $10 per 1,000 square feet of building area:( thousand square feet)
*lnclude number of existlno employees:
*lnclude number of new emPloyees:
n Residential Districts. .................... $500
Plus $5 per dwelling unit (- units)
Subdivision (SUB)
n Create 3lots or less ............. .......$300
n Create over 3 lots ..................,....$600 + $15 per lot( lots)n Metes & Bounds (2lots)........ ......$300
n Consolidate 1ots....... ...................$150
n tot Line Adjustment............... ......$150
n FinatP1at.............. ....$700
(lncludes $450 escrow for attomey costs)"
'Additional escrow may be required for other applications
through the development contract.
Vacation of Easements/Right-of-way (VAC) ........ $300
(Additional recording fees may apply)
Variance (VAR)......... ... $200
Wetland Alteration Permit (WAP)
n Single-Family Residence............................... $1 50
n Allothers......... ......$275
Zoning Appeal........ ...... $100
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) .........,....... $500
!Q[!: When multiple applications are processed concurrently,
the appropriate fee shall be charged for each application,
n
tr
$3 per address
Description of Proposal:
Property Address or Location:
parcet#: 258010230
TotalAcreage:
Aul 0 3 2oB
[] Property Owners' List within 500' (city to generate after pre-application meeting) ............r:r.....(rlS addresses)
E Escrow for Recording Documents (check all that apply)..........
n ConditionalUse Permit n lnterim Use Permit
n Vacation E] Variance
! tritetes & Bounds Subdivision (3 docs.) fl Easements (- easements)
TOTAL
7644 South Shore Drive
LegalDescriptien' SOUTH LOTUS LAKE 2nd ADDITION TWp
1.M Wetlands Present? E Yes Z tto
n Site Plan Agreement
n Wetland Alteration PermitE Deeds
Wt;
$50 per documeni
Requested Zoning: Single-Family Residential District (RSFfIl
Existing Use of Property:Residential
f]Cnecx box if separate nanative is attached.
g,- 9-lg
Section 1:all that
Section 2: Reouired lnformation
APPLICANT OTHER THAN PROPERTY OWNER: ln signing this application, l, as applicant, represent to have obtained
authorization from the property owner to file this application. I agree to be bound by conditions of approval, subject only to
the right to object at the hearings on the application or during the appeal period. lf this application has not been signed by
the property owner, I have attached separate documentation of full legal capacity to file the application. This application
should be processed in my name and I am the party whom the City should contact regarding any matter pertaining to this
application. I will keep myself informed of the deadlines for submission of material and the progress of this application. I
further understand that additionalfees may be charged for consulting fees, feasibility studies, etc. with an estimate prior to
any authorization to proceed with the study. I certify that the information and exhibits submitted are true and correct.
Contact:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Signature:Date:
PROPERTY OWNER: ln signing this application, l, as property owner, have full legal capacity to, and hereby do,
authorize the filing of this application. I understand that conditions of approval are binding and agree to be bound by those
conditions, subject only to the right to object at the hearings or during the appeal periods. I will keep mysetf informed of
the deadlines for submission of material and the progress of this application. I further understand that additionalfees may
be charged for consulting fees, feasibility studies, etc. with an estimate prior to any authorization to proceed with the
study. I certify that the information and exhibits submitted are true and conect.
Matt and Amanda Arens Contact:
Phone:
Matt Arens
Address:7644 South Shore Drive
City/State/Zip:Chanhassen, MN 55317 (es2) 367-660s
Name:Contact:
Phone:Address:
Phone:
Cell:
Fax:
(e52) 367-660e
Cell:
Fax:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
This application must be completed in full and must be accompanied by all inforrnation and plans required by
applicable City Ordinance provisions. Before filing this application, refer to the appropriate Application Checklist
and confer with the Planning Department to determine the specific ordinance and applicable procedural
requirements and fees.
A determination of completeness of the application shall be made within 15 business days of application submittal.
wriften notice of application deficiencies shall be mailed to the applicant within 15 business days of application.
PROJECT ENGINEER (if applicable)
Who should receive copies of staff reports?
Property Owner Via:
Applicant Via:Engineer Via:
Other* Via:
*Other Contact lnformatlon:
Name:Ztrtrtr
E Email El nllaiteo Paper Copy
fl Email E ltlaitea Paper Copy
I Email I frlaiteA Paper Copy
f] Email D ruaiteo Paper Copy
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: Complete allnecessaryform flelds, then select SAVE FORM to save a copy to your
device. PRINT FORM and deliver to city along with required documents and payment. SUBMIT FORM to send a digital
copy to the city for processing.
Section 3:Owrrer and Information
Cell:
Section4: Notification
Written Justification of Request Compliance
Submitted by: Matt and Amanda Arens
7644 South Shore Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317
When we purchased our home in 2005, we took on a property that was an absolute mess. lt was
overgrown with buckthorn and thistle and the mostly small leafy trees were creating a canopy that
didn't allow anything to grow to hold the sloped areas. The area close to the lake was sloped and mostly
bare. When we would get hard rains, you could stand by and watch soil being carried right into the lake.
We were newly married and didn't have kids yet, so we had a lot of time on our hands and spent most
weekends working on the property. We removed the scrubby trees that were mostly small boxelder,
basswood and buckthorn. We planted hostas, plants and bag after bag of low-growth fescue. We had
riprap put in to stabilize the shoreline along with a small beach. We tried several times, before finally
hiring professionals, to plant tall grasses along the shoreline to create a buffer for the lake. We planted
tall grasses in a lower lying area and directed overflow water to that spot rather than over the surface
into the lake. We are grateful for the partnership we enjoyed with the City as we completed these
projects, and we received great advice and support from people like Terry Jeffrey, the former water
resources specialist, and have modeled many of our plans after his suggestions.
We knew when we purchased our home that it had many problems, but the longer we lived there we
came to more fully understand that the deficiencies were much worse than we thought. We thought we
could remodel our house within its existing structure, but it became clear we would be better off tearing
down most of the structure and starting over rather than remodeling within the bad bones of the house.
We broke ground on that major project last year, rebuilding the house on the existing foundation. As
most of these things go, it has taken longer than anticipated and we have had plenty of surprises
throughout the process. Now that the house construction is mostly done, we would like to finish
landscaping the area around the house, so it is stable, looks nice and doesn't detract from all of the
efforts we have taken to make the property and house look attractive.
Unfortunately, the house was originally built very close to the bluff line, which is the reason for our
variance request, We have come up with a landscape plan we feel has as little impact as possible on the
bluff line given the placement of where the original house was built. We recognize we are going
through this process because some of the items in our plan are not routinely allowed by the City code.
However, we believe these items fall within the boundaries of using our property in a reasonable
manner, and we respectfully ask that you consider the following points as you review our request:
1. Most of the area around the sides and back of our house is generally sloped. lf we were to
simply put grass there, it would be difficult to maintain/mow, but more importantly, this area
gets very slippery when damp or wet, creating a significant safety concern, particularly
considering we have parents who spend a lot of time with us who are in their late 60s/early 70s.
The only way to access our lakeshore is through these sloped areas. We want to ensure it is
landscaped in such a way that there is a safe path for anyone who may be accessing it.
2. ln terms of the sitting area in our front yard, it would be located in an area that was a
blacktopped circular driveway when we purchased the property. When we removed this portion
of the driveway several years ago, we were unaware that we would later be required to obtain a
a: t
t-
variance to put a hard surface back in that area. We are not looking to extend the current
driveway back to that area. We simply want to create a comfortable area to sit while we are
outside watching our kids play in the driveway and on the swing set. ln our landscape plan, we
have incorporated a great deal ofvegetation around all hard surfaces to ensure it adequately
captures water and we're managing runoff in a responsible way. ln this particular area, we
simply want to be able to utilize our yard and property in a way that's consistent with the
character of our house and locality.
3. As alluded to in the above bullet point, we are going to great efforts to ensure that our
landscape plan will meaningfully improve the rainwater issues that have plagued this property
likely since it was built. These runoff issues have caused problems for the lake and some of our
neighbors. We believe our plan will make great strides in improvingfixing these issues.
4. Many of the properties near our home have had similar bluff line challenges, as the homes were
built before the most recent bluff line regulations were put into place. ln some cases within our
neighborhood, more than 50% of the home is actually over the bluff line. Challenges conforming
to the most recent bluff line regulations are not unique to our property, and many of our
neighbors have been able to find reasonable ways to landscape their properties so they are able
to fully utilize and enjoy their homes, We are simply looking to do the same.
It is our hope that when you consider our project as a whole and our many attempts, both current and
past, to go above and beyond for what is good for the land and the lake, that you will grant us a variance
for the landscape items in question, so we may finish our project. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Matt and Amanda Arens
1
Variance Request for 7644 South Shore Drive
Items requiring a variance per Staff review, falling within bluff impact zone and structure setback.
A) Boulder Border / Wall along top of bluff line - North Side of House
Fieldstone boulders ranging in size from approximately 12" diameter to 27" diameter. lnstalled
as a border and small retaining wall between existing fescue supported bluff and new landscape
around house. The majority of thiswall would be approximately 12-18" exposed height (1
course of boulders) as determined by the contour of the top of the bluff. Some areas near the
porchcorner(NE) mayrequire 2 courses to stabilize the slope. Filter fabric will be placed behind
boulders to prevent soil erosion through boulders. The intent of this wall is to provide an added
means of slowing and dispersing any surface runoff onto the bluff. The landscape above the
boulders will be graded and planted to do the same. Added benefits will be definition between
the landscaping and the bluff, prevention of landscape materials (mulch/rock) migrating onto
bluff and a more comfortably maintained landscape.
B) Flagstone Stepper Path from Back Patio to Front Yard
lrregular shaped, full range natural Bluestone Flagstone to be used as stepping stones to create
a comfortable means of walking from front yard to back yard, as well as access for landscape
maintenance. Stepping stones will range in size from approx. 18" diameter to 30" diameter,
with varying irregular shapes. Stones to be set onto existing graded soils, with no significant
excavation or compaction needed. Stones to be spaces approximately 4" to 10" apart to allow
for drainage between and around stones. Mulch or landscape rock to be used around stones,
depending on the location within the plan. Some areas may incorporate groundcover plantings
between stones to stabilize soils and minimize erosion. The stepper path is an alternative to an
orlginal design concept that featured an expanded patio. City Staff recommended that no
additional impervious patio be installed in this area. The stepper path will allow for some of the
same function but with less impact on runoff.
Cl Flagstone Seating Area/Patio with Stone Seat Wall
Patio/Seating area near front walkway to improve use of front yard and driveway area. Seating
area to be constructed of full range, irregular shaped natural Bluestone Flagstone set on 6" of
free draining base material (3/8" clear limestone). Geotextile underlayment fabric to be
installed between native soils and base material. Stones to be leveled and cut to fit with 1" or
less joint tolerance, connected to front entrance walkway (also stone). Seat wall to be built on
12" diameter frost footings tied into a poured concrete slab. Blended natural wall stone stacked
and mortared to create a free-standing seat wall, approximately 20" tall. The top of the bluff
outside of this patio area is supported by long-established trees, so we feel the bluff impact of
this feature is very minimal, especially considering the historical cover of this space (past
driveway turnaround).