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2725 Sherwood Road Mounds View,MN 55112 June 3, 1996 Planning Commission City of Mounds View This letter is in regards to my request for a variance to permit installation of a 6'-high fence in the rear yard of 2725 Sherwood Road, a portion of which would run along Red Oak Drive. The primary reason I am requesting this variance is for safety:the safety of my child,any other children who may be visiting us,pets,and automobile traffic on Red Oak Drive.These safety concerns are due to the fact that the property has a large mound on the western edge adjoining Red Oak Drive,which is approximately 4' in height at the center.With a fence of only 4' in height,as the current city code permits,this situation could create a hazard for children and pets.A 6' fence,as I am requesting,would provide adequate protection to prevent children from falling over the fence,pets from jumping the fence,or other potential mishaps. Please consider the following points when reviewing this request for a variance: • The large mound represents an extraordinary circumstance which does not generally apply to other properties in the area.The mound has been on this property since the home was built.From what I have been told,the mound is the result of the removal several years ago of a large elm tree.While a portion of the western edge of the mound will be dug away to provide the necessary easement for the fence,moving or flattening the entire mound would be impractical and prohibitively expensive due the remaining buried stump and roots. ilk • The literal interpretation of the applicable provision(a 4' fence)would deprive us of adequate safety for our daughter in these circumstances.This concern would not be present in a"flatter"yard. • The presence of the mound in no way resulted from my actions;it has been in existence since the home was built in 1988.I purchased the home in July of 1995. • The granting of this variance will not confer any special privilege not available to other owners in the area. Several variances of this nature have been granted in the area previously, including the properties at 7880 Eastwood Road,7900 Eastwood Road,and 8230 Red Oak Drive. • isvarianceis eminimum r •I -• • • •• •- -•-•■ - - - • • 9:•••9 •999- • The variance would have no material effect on other properties in the same zone. • The variance will no effect on traffic flow or on visibility at the corner of Red Oak Drive and Sherwood Road,as the fence will be placed approximately 50' back from the corner.Far from diminishing the value of surrounding properties,the attractive French Gothic-style treated wood fence should enhance the value of the three adjacent properties by providing an added measure of privacy. Thank you, and I look forward to your decision regarding the granting of this variance. Sincerely, _ Tom Pick •