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Since the adoption of the new rules in t 985, several homes have been developed on lots along <br />Bowers Drive that are substandard by today's standards, but most of them were not duo- <br />ownership situations so no variance was required. Likewise, several homes have been <br />constructed along the river with setbacks from the ordinary high water mark in line with adjacent <br />structure setbacks versus today's 200 foot setback. In 1997, the Board granted a variance in a <br />case nearly identical to Mr. Boyurn's case. Currently, there are about six (6) cases of duo- <br />ownership lots on Bowers Drive. <br /> <br />The Scenic River and the Shoreland rules provide for a setback from the river similar to that <br />pattern established by adjacent structures. Staff doesn't know if that same provision was <br />excluded from the Critical River regs inadvertently or intentionally. <br /> <br />The Board conducted a public hearing on February 1 and there were several residents from <br />Bowers Drive preseat in opposition to the variance and 1 resident supported the request. As a <br />result of the hearing and the Board discussion, action on the request was tabled. Staff was <br />directed to obtain additional information from the City Attorney, amend the proposed findings of <br />fact per the Boards discussion, and work with. Mr. Boyum and the adjacent neighbors, Itl and <br />Carol Larsen, to negotiate an acceptable s6iution for both parties. <br /> <br />Mr. Boyum modified his house plan to reduce the footprint of the home. This will result in the <br />structure being 21 feet from the common property line with the Larsens, except for a 4 foot <br />section of garage which would remain 10 feet from the property line. The Larsen home is about <br />12 feet from the property line. Therefore, except for a 4 foot section of garage, there would be a <br />33 foot rather than a 22 foot separation between the two homes. This information was brought to <br />the Larsens and they did not fred the modification acceptable. Staff offered to recommend that <br />the house also be moved away from the river another 5 feet so there would be a 33 foot <br />separation between the two homes for the entire length of the Boyum house and the Larsens did <br />not find that acceptable either. <br /> <br />Thc Larsens also have a concern that Mr. Boyum's proposal to build a walkout rambler will <br />require disturbance of the bluff line. Staff informed the Larsens that if the walkout style does <br />require alteration of the bluff line, Mr. Boyum will be required to apply for an Environmental <br />Permit that would also have to be certified by DNR. As a follow-up to Staffs meeting with the <br />Larsens, the Building Official was directed to inspect the lot and verify where the bluff line is <br />and whether or not construction of a walkout rambler would disturb the bluff. It was determined <br />that a walkout rambler would require alteration of the bluff line. Staff then informed Mr. Boyum <br />he either needs to change the house style or get an Environmental Permit. Mr. Boyum has <br />indicated that he is changing the house style from a walkout rambler to a split entry and no <br />disturbance of the bluff line will be required. Mr. Boyum is currently out of the State and at the <br />date of this writing Staff does not know how far the split entry will be from the Larsen property <br />line. However, we do know that it has to be at least 10 feet to comply with City Code. Mr. <br />Boyum has been advised to try and have his site plan amended for a split entry prior to the Board <br />meeting. However, that may not be possible given the fact that a decision to switch to a split <br />entry has been made with just 2 business days remaining prior to the meeting. <br /> <br /> <br />