1998-10-06 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Patrick J. Phippen 1563 Peltier Lake Drive Centerville, MN 55038 429 -6460 VARIANCE FOR STORAGE SHED - less than 75 feet from lake shore. Reason for request: We have owned our property since 1978. When purchased there was an existing storage structure on an 11' x 11' cement slab next to the lake shore. The structure may very well date back to 1957 when the original home was built. Over the years, the shed has been hit by fallen trees in storms, etc. In an effort to straighten the shed and improve its appearance, we attempted to straighten it and replace the siding dur- ing the fall of 1997. But, as we removed siding it became clear that the structure was bad, so we pulled it to the ground, cleaned up the debris and planned to put a new shed in the following spring. We were certain that because there had been a shed in that spot, there would be no problem replacing it. And, replacing it was the only way to improve the appearance of the shed. When we visited the City of Centerville to get a building permit, we were informed of the "new" rule that states the shed would need to be 75 feet from the lake shore. Unfortunately, we do not have the option to comply with that rule and build a shed 75 feet from the shore or we would have chosen to do that instead of pay the variance fee. The only open property that we have 75 feet from the shore is on one side of the house and must be kept open to drive through because we must pull our dock and boat lift in and out of the water each year. During the 20 years we have lived in our home and had this shed, we have watched both neighbors put it sheds that are NOT 75 feet from the lake shore and did interfere with our view of the lake. One neighbor didn't only put in a shed, they brought in an entire garage. (see photos) We understand why the City has this rule. However, we feel that because the shed was there all along and a new shed should be viewed as an improvement over leaving the deteriorating shed up (which we could have done) and because both neighbors have a shed within 75 feet of the lake, we should be allowed to rebuild the shed. There is also the cement slab to consider, which remains. We also only have a one and a half car garage and having a shed will mean that our yard will be kept neater beause without the shed we do not have storage for many things. This should be in the neighbors' best interests as well. Thank you for your consideration.