The Wayzata Planning Commission recommended approval of two variance requests at their May 5 meeting, addressing property modifications in different neighborhoods.

The first request involved 323 Waycliffe Avenue North, where property owner Don Cr sought variances for lot coverage and impervious surface to enclose an existing deck into a meditation room. The property, part of a duplex development from the 1990s, currently exceeds city requirements with 36.1% building coverage and 51.5% impervious surface, compared to allowed limits of 35% and 45% respectively. The proposed addition would increase these percentages to 38.5% and 52.1%.

Planning Consultant Johnson explained that the neighborhood was developed under a planned unit development (PUD) before current impervious surface requirements were established by state shoreland regulations. A 2005 precedent exists for a similar deck enclosure at 218 Waycliffe Drive. The city's engineering department will require a storm water facilities maintenance agreement to mitigate the additional impervious surface.

The second variance request came from Planning Commissioner Adam Elg for his property at 1407 Holdridge Lane. Elg recused himself from the discussion and stepped down during consideration of his application for fence height and opacity variances. The request seeks to install a 100-foot, six-foot-tall fence with 100% opacity along the northern property line to screen noise and light from Highway 12 and nearby car dealerships.

Both applications received unanimous support from commissioners present. Planning Director Sharp noted that staff will prepare formal reports and recommendations for adoption at the commission's May 19 meeting, where both items will appear on the consent agenda.