Planning commission approves impervious-surface variance for Sunset Avenue Shoreland rebuild

The Prior Lake Planning Commission voted July 6 to approve an impervious-surface variance for a proposed replacement house at 17031 Sunset Avenue NW, a nonconforming shoreland lot on Spring Lake.

Staff said the property is a platted lot from the 1950s with an area of 7,364 square feet (the current Shoreland District minimum is 15,000 sq ft). The applicant proposed a new home with a footprint of about 1,849 square feet and a revised driveway; staff said the updated plan reduces total impervious area from the originally proposed 33.11% to 31.86% (the zoning maximum is 30%). Staff recommended approval because the lot's small size and configuration constitute a practical difficulty, and noted the proposal improves the ordinary high-water setback from 38 to 65.3 feet, reduces driveway width to a conforming 18 feet at the right of way, and corrects side-yard nonconformities.

Applicant Ryan Biggett told the commission the project went through many plan iterations to reduce footprint and side impacts, and said the project could not feasibly include a basement because of a high water table, which limits options for reducing footprint without exceeding height limits. Biggett also said he had discussed the removal of an asphalt encroachment with the adjacent northern property owner who agreed to remove the bituminous area that currently extends into the subject property.

Staff recommended approval with six conditions, including (1) a grading plan showing on-site stormwater management, (2) recording the variance resolution with Scott County, (3) building permits prior to construction, (4) limiting walkways to pervious designs, (5) revising the driveway width to 18 feet within the boulevard, and (6) requiring an as-built survey after construction. The commission approved the variance subject to those conditions; the motion passed with recorded support (reported vote 3-1).