4A - Variance to Replace Non-Comforming Structure with Larger Dwelling within Lake Setback

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Dave and Deb Lind variance information We understand what has happened with the latest turn of events on variances in the state but there also has to be some point of which a tax paying property owner can upgrade a very old home. I am hoping everyone has seen the letter sent to Pequot by the League of Minnesota Cities and it all stems from a lawsuit over a property line. In our case it is very highly unlikely- with what we are proposing to do would stem any type of a lawsuit. Our home needs a total remodel except front living room and we feel the only way to do this economically is to upgrade the poor shape of basement, well and septic to meet future needs. As far as the recommendation from Community Growth, I am assuming they physically haven't seen the property to suggest taking down garage. The second option to attach to garage doesn't seem like a very viable option because of roof lines, loss of windows in both house and garage and we feel it would not be a pleasant looking structure. Impervious Situation-I spoke to Stonemark and it would cost approx. $800 to hire an engineer to develop a storm water runoff plan, of which Pat at Stonemark stated it would be nearly impossible to get to 20%unless we eliminated the driveway. I also would like to make note that the city recently paved Pine Grove St.just down the road because of runoff issues to the lake. There are situations where you need impervious to control sediment runoff into lake. We have improved our property substantially to control runoff since we purchased, and it currently works quite well except when there are very heavy rainfalls. Ideas- Could take out approx. 20'X20' of lower parking area—would replace asphalt with landscape rock - Could remove paver sidewalk and patio by lake-would leave patio in sand, sidewalk grass - Could put landscape rock in 2 parking areas on top of hill We estimate doing these improvement would reduce by about 5%, Stonemark can figure exactly but would have to pay for another set of drawings. New Plan Thoughts- We had a building mover come out and see if possible to jack house up and remove old basement and install new and its possible though very tough to do with the hill, but can be done, of course costs more than a normal situation. So if this could be done propose to raise up home and install all new footings and basement block walls, this would result in the home being approx. 2' higher when finished. After done with basement would totally remodel main living area to have a floor plan that would allow septic system to be on south side of home. Current floor plan would not work with new septic because baths are on far north end of home and drain pipes would have to be routed right through middle of basement approx. 2' below ceiling. Conclusion—Again we understand the current variance situation but their needs to be some give and take to improve properties. Yes our impervious is not what code requires but with lake lots on lake the size they are that's what we have to deal with. Like the League letter states cities need to look at their codes and come up with a plan that will fit certain areas. We have spent well over$2500 in this variance process and feel we have been working with everyone involved to come to some kind of conclusion that will work for all.