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Planning Commission Minutes -2- Planning File 1412 - Edward McCarty request for variance to shoreline zoning ordinance at 1894 County Road C-2. Presentation Hr. Dahlgren indicated Mr. McCarty has applied for a variance under the shoreline zoning ordinance to construct a shoreline retaining wall on a portion of Langton Lake. The retaining wall would run approximately 170' south from County Road C-2. Mr. Dahlgren reviewed the public and private ownership of the shoreline of Langton Lake and also reviewed the history of the shoreline zoning ordinance. He indicated Mr. McCarty had started construction of the retaining wall, and was stopped by the City Code Enforcement Officer. Hr. McCarty indicated there has been a retaining wall for many years, and he was reconstructing the wall to protect his property. He said there is a severe fluctuation in the water level, causing shoreline erosion. The wall will permit the mowing of grass up to the shore line. Br. McCarty indicated he has asthma, and he needs to control his environment. The fluctuation in the water level causes mold to grow on the shoreline, and intensifies his asthma problem. Discussion In response to a question, Mr. Honchell indicated that Langton Lake has a restricted outfall at the present time, whereby the 12' culvert is the only way for the water to get out of the lake. An overall storm water drainage improvement has previously been considered for the area, and it was decided not to undertake the project. Mr. Matson commented the shoreline zoning ordinance requires that a hardship exist before a variance such as this can be approved. He indicated he sympathized with the applicant's desire to construct the wall, but he wasn't convinced there was a hardship. Mr. McCarty indicated he considers his asthma to be a hardship. Mr. Matson asked how much of the shoreline the old wall had covered. Mr. McCarty indicated the new all will cover the same distance as the old wall. Mrs. Cushing asked if the applicant had considered using something on the shore- line other than the grass. Mr. McCarty responded he didn't want weeds, etc. growing on the shoreline. Mrs. Dressler inquired how the wall would affect the neighbors. Mr. Honchell indicated there would be the aesthetic affect which could be considered either good or bad by the neighbors. Also, the filling along the shoreline of the lake would reduce the amount of water storage. However, the amount of fill is relatively insignificant.