03-18-2004 Planning Commission Meeting

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03/08/2004 14:42 FAX 218 568 5860 CITY OF PEQUOT LAKES lJ007 • City of Pequot Lakes 31108 Government Drive, P.O. Box 361 - . Pequot Lakes,MN 56472 City Clerk(218)568-5222 Police Dept.(218)568-8111 Fax(218)568-5860 E-mail:cityha1l@uslink.net February 5, 2004 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hirschey 6804 Southdale Road Edina, MN 55435 RE: Variance to install a drain field for an Individual Sewer Treatment System within the side yard setback and Middle Cullen Lake OHW setback. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hirschey: Please be advised that on February 3, 2004, the City Council approved your variance request based on the following findings of fact: 1. The property meets the minimum lot size requirement of 20,000 square feet however, the 75' OHW setback on three sides greatly reduces the building envelope to an area less than 7,052 square feet(the build-able area footprint decreases along the eastern end of the lot due to the configuration of the parcel), which creates a hardship. There is no other area on the property that the Hirscheys can place the drain field without encroaching on the OHW setback or being too close to the deep well on their property, which would have greater environmental implications than placing it within the side-yard setback. 2. The applicants wish to protect trees along the lakeshore to the north, west and south of the existing cabin, and the proposed placement of the drain field reduces the amount of tree removal necessary, which is consistent with the intent and purpose of the Ordinance. 3. The proposed plan maintains or exceeds all other setback and impervious coverage requirements. 4. The applicant's proposal comes closer to meeting the intent of the Ordinance, which is to maintain the lake setback and protect lake water quality, than any other placement alternative or options available under the Ordinance_ 5- The variance would not alter the essential character of the surrounding area; in fact, it retains screening and the northwoods feel by reducing the number of trees that would need to be removed.