07/09/2008 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board July 9, 2008 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES V. ACTION ITEMS A. Variance to the Shoreland Ordinance to allow the replacement of a sewage treatment system located at 7625 Peltier Lake Dr. Paul Bengtson, Associate Planner, presented the sta ff report. Staff noted that the applicant plans to have a box mound system installe d on top of the existing septic system. The city will require inspection of this system ann ually rather than every other year. City Staff recommended approval of the Variance with one condition as listed in the staff report. Mr. Mark Fairbanks, 7625 Peltier Lake Drive, applic ant, was present for questions. Applicant stated his back yard has never flooded. Mr. Mike McElhatton, North Branch, MN, designer of the system was available for questions. Mr. McElhatton explained why the site t o the northeast of the house was not a desirable area for the septic system. Mr. McElhatt on explained what the design of the system will look like. Pete Kluegel, City Building Official, stated that h e is comfortable with the proposed system. Staff stated that the city follows up with property owners to monitor required septic inspections. Mr. Pogalz made a MOTION to recommend approval of t he Variance to the Shoreland Ordinance at 7625 Peltier Lake Drive. There was no second for the motion. Some board members questioned if there was a better location for the system stating concern about the proposed minimal setback from the shoreland. Other board members stated that they believe that t he proposed location is the most opportune location. They are trying to correct a s ituation that needs rectifying. City Staff pointed out that the city could not gran t variances to state setbacks that were in place in the applicant’s front yard. Mr. McElhatton said that he had conferred with a nu mber of people to determine where the best location would be for the necessary septic system. He stated this box mound system has been used for 6-8 years, noting that the y have installed a dozen or so in the area with no problems. Mr. McElhatton explained th at septic systems are sized according to the number of bedrooms in the home and the amoun t of determined use. Staff explained that they had received notice from the DNR that they had no objections to the variance.