Mound Planning Commission Grants Residential Development Variances
The Mound Planning Commission recently approved two distinct residential variance requests, facilitating new construction and property enhancements while adhering to city code and neighborhood harmony.
The Mound Planning Commission convened to address a pair of residential variance requests, ultimately granting unanimous approval for both. These decisions pave the way for a new home construction on Shorewood Lane and a significant garage addition on Bluebird Lane, reflecting the city’s ongoing development and commitment to balancing homeowner needs with community standards.
Shorewood Lane Development Moves Forward
The first case, Planning Case 26-06, involved a request for reduced front and side setbacks for a new or replacement house at 1908 Shorewood Lane. Applicant Peter Gubich, representing Timberline Homes LLC from Bloomington, Minnesota, presented the rationale behind the proposed layout, emphasizing the desire to align the new structure with existing neighboring homes.
As you can see from this picture by moving the house forward we line the house up with the neighboring houses. And normally this wouldn't be a concern, but as you can also see as the lot line goes across to be the left side because of a prior potential road project that was designed when it was originally laid out, the lot line is pushed up, which normally would allow the extra 3 and a half feet that we're really requesting 4 feet.
Staff analysis confirmed that the proposal carefully navigated existing environmental requirements. Johnny, a staff representative, reassured the commission regarding adherence to critical environmental stipulations.
This proposal does not increase the required or it meets all of the lakeshore setback requirements. So, we're not encroaching further in that direction.
The Commission ultimately agreed with the staff recommendation and the applicant's presentation, approving the variance request unanimously.
Bluebird Lane Garage Expansion Approved
The second case, Planning Case 26-07, concerned a variance for a lakeshore setback at 1609 Bluebird Lane to accommodate a house addition. Nate Berg, representing True Concepts Inc. from Eden Prairie, applied for the variance on behalf of the homeowner for an expansion to an existing garage.
Their existing garage is a they have a two style garage currently with a bonus room above and we are going to add another addition to that garage. So, it'll be essentially a four deep garage. Okay.
Staff review, again led by Johnny, highlighted that the proposed addition’s impact on the lakeshore setback was minimal. He noted that less than a tenth of the total space was within the 50-foot setback, with even less requiring a variance due to pre-existing nonconformities on the property. Furthermore, the Minihala Creek Watershed District confirmed that no wetland buffer was required for the project.
The reason that staff is recommending approval today is that the proposal is in harmony with the neighborhood um bringing this both closer to the street as well as providing a twocar garage um is in the neighborhood's interest as well as the fact that the request does seem to be uh harmonious with the intent of code and uh with the massing of the existing home.
Following deliberation, the Mound Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the variance for the 1609 Bluebird Lane property, acknowledging the project's alignment with community interests and existing code interpretations.
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Votes (2)
Planning Case 26-06: Variance Reduced Front and Side Setbacks for new/replacement house 1908 Shorewood Lane
Moved by Commissioner [N/A] · Seconded by Unknown [N/A]
The discussion centered on a variance request for a new home at 1908 Shorewood Lane, seeking reduced front and side setbacks. Staff highlighted the lot's significantly undersized nature and its unique constraints. A key justification for approval was the proposal's environmental benefit, as it improved the lakeshore setback compliance, pulling back from previous encroachments. The applicant explained that the proposed front setback aligned the house with neighbors and preserved views, while the side setback was crucial for a two-car garage. Public comments included two letters of support. The commission ultimately found the proposal to be a significant improvement and appropriate given the lot's specific conditions.
Planning Case 26-07: Variance Lakeshore setback for house addition 1609 Bluebird Lane
Moved by Commissioner [N/A] · Seconded by Unknown [N/A]
This item involved a variance request for a two-story garage and bonus living space addition at 1609 Bluebird Lane, which would encroach approximately 3 feet into the 50-foot ordinary high water mark lakeshore setback. Staff noted the property's proximity to city-owned wetlands and a previous 1982 variance for a reduced setback. The proposal was highlighted as a transformation of existing hard cover (driveway) rather than new green space impact. The city's wetland specialist and watershed district had confirmed no further review was needed. Staff recommended approval, citing the proposal's harmony with the neighborhood and the functional necessity of the garage size, which could not be reduced without losing utility.
Notable Quotes (6)
This proposal does not increase the um required or it meets all of the lakeshore uh setback requirements. So, we're not encroaching further in that direction.
It's a not quite a tit for tat, but it explains the box that they're now working with.
as you can see from this picture by moving the house forward we line the house up with the neighboring houses. And normally this wouldn't be a concern, but as you can also see as the lot line goes across to be the left side because of a prior potential road project that was designed when it was originally laid out, the lot line is pushed up, which normally would allow the extra 3 and 1/2 ft that we're really requesting 4T.
Less than a tenth of that space is within that 50 foot setback and even less of than that 50 feet actually requires the variance due to the existing nonconformity.
The reason that staff is recommending approval today is that the proposal is in harmony with the neighborhood um bringing this both closer to the street as well as providing a twocar garage um is in the neighborhood's interest as well as the fact that the request does seem to be uh harmonious with the intent of code and uh with the massing of the existing home.
So, their existing garage is a they have a two style garage currently >> with a bonus room above >> and we are going to add another um addition to that garage. So, it'll be >> essentially a four deep garage. Okay.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Variance request for reduced front and side setbacks at 1908 Shorewood Lane.
Zoning district for 1908 Shorewood Lane, guided for low density residential.
Guiding document for R1 zone.
Criteria for variance approvals.
Zoning type in proximity to 1908 Shorewood Lane, often considered more appropriate for the lot size.
Other zoning districts primarily consisting of single family homes.
Variance request for Lakeshore setback for house addition at 1609 Bluebird Lane.
Ordinary high water mark elevation set by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District.
100-year flood elevation for FEMA and Mound, requiring a 2-foot minimum construction level above it.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Property Variance for Reduced Setbacks (1908 Shorewood Lane)
Property Variance for Lakeshore Setback for Home Addition (1609 Bluebird Lane)
Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement
Planning Commission Term Reappointments and Interview Process
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