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Vacation of Easement Application Statement 1594 Lake Johanna Blvd Deck Arden Hills MN 55112 Requested Vacation of Easement breakdown: Adding new 448' deck to replace the existing 370' deck in place. The current deck as built is too small to be of any use for family get togethers or entertainment at this time. The wood is also starting to deteriorate and is due for replacement. The current deck has no access to the lower - level backyard at this time. During the process of replacing the existing deck we want to make it a more usable space along with providing an access to the back of the property from the upper level using a spiral staircase to prevent steps from expanding into the man-made wetland easement to the south of the property. The proposed spiral staircase would be tucked in the southeast corner of the deck up next to the house. By following the contour of the man-made wetland directly to the south of the doorway and expanding the portion of the deck to the southwest we can make the deck much more usable without affecting drainage locations outside of the proposed easement to be vacated. Based on this layout we will avoid interfering with an existing storm drain and trench running from that to the south of the property and get us away from the wetland directly to the south of the home. It's a very tight space and the easement we are proposing to vacate seems to be unnecessary with the storm drain, trench and wetland easements all allowing proper drainage outside of this particular easement. The new proposed setback from the deck would be 52.5' from the West property line if we can void an old existing easement running from north to south within a few feet of the home at the shortest point. Practical Difficulties: • Reasonable Manner: The new deck will replace an existing one and expand the area that would least affect current drainage/setbacks allowing the homeowners to get a deck that is more suitable to the size of the home and allow it to be a usable space for the family to enjoy. The new proposed deck uses Trex Transcend decking and Trex Signature aluminum railing. The decking is gapped using hidden fasteners and will allow water to continue running down between the deck boards which will have a minimal impact on drainage for its location. It will also be 10'-12' off grade overall which also provides minimal impact on drainage at this location. • Unique Circumstances: This home was built along with multiple adjustments made to the property during construction. A man-made wetland was put in place and additional setbacks due to that wetland and Lake Johanna nearby. Based on my conversations with the city and surveyor who provided us the new survey for the property that the setback we are looking to vacate was in place before those changes were made to the property which essentially makes it unnecessary at this point in time. • Character of Neighborhood: The house fits in with the nature of the neighborhood near the lake, but is heavily restricted with the setbacks in place for this home in particular due to the wetland in place directly to the south of the home. Adding a deck on the southwest side of the home at a size fitting within the size of the home will not have a negative impact in any way to the neighborhood.