HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-09 Simonson Ltr to OPH Re Variance Request Jul. 9. 1995 10:50AM AVEDA CUTIVE No. 6072 P. 2/2
07/09/96
Michael Robertson
City Administrator
Oak Park Heights
Dear Mr. Robertson:
Per you request I am providing you with a letter for presentation to the city council for consideration
regarding the ordinance related to parking trailers on residential lots. As you know, Officer Jorgenson
informed me on 07/04/96 about the ordinance but as of yet I have not received a hard copy of it for review
and proper understanding_ Regardless, 1 am attempting to make progress to comply with the city's request.
I currently have two boats with trailers and a utility trailer parked on my lot. One of the boats and the
utility trailer are located on the southeast corner of my large lot and the other boat is located closer to my
house, next to some trees, on the same quadrant of the lot. I parked the trailers in these locations with the
intention of making them as inconspicuous as possible for the best possible aesthetics for the
neighborhood_ I maintain the ground under and around the trailers to ensure they do not get overgrown by
weeds and grasses.
As I understand the ordinance, the trailers must be parked on a pad next to the garage which is contiguous
with the existing driveway. I would appreciate the city's consideration of the effect of such a change as it
relates to my specific situation.
I am concerned that if the trailers were parked on a pad next to the garage that the aesthetics of the lot for
the neighborhood would he negatively impacted. In order to accommodate the current ordinance I would
be required to cut down a large shrub (approximately 8' diameter and 8' in height) and possibly a large tree
located on my side lot. I would need to level the location and install timbers, fill, and pad material. Some
of the existing large trees located at the back of the pad may be impacted by the leveling process as their
roots are located at the surface of the soil Finally, in my estimation, the ending result of three trailers
sitting on an elevated pad next to my garage would be an eyesore compared to the existing arrangement_
If I understand the intent of the ordinance, it is meant to alleviate the situations where the grounds are not
properly maintained. As I mentioned earlier, I do maintain the weeds and grasses around the trailers but
am willing to make improvements.
I propose that I modify the southeast corner of my lot by removing a small cottonwood located under the
power lines, removing the compost pile which the previous owners used (the removal has already been
started), plant tall shrubbery along the fence line which compliments existing shrubbery, and use poly and
wood ships for a pad which blends in with the natural surroundings. The would allow me to locate the one
boat further back into the corner of the lot next to the utility trailer thus improving the neighbors' views as
the trailers would be behind their utility buildings and existing trees /shrubs. My existing shrubs and new
shrubs would facilitate the hidden views. Such an improvement would also maintain the street view as the
trailers and pad would not be next to the garage and existing trees and shrubs could remain intact. I would
also request that the small boat he maintained in its current location as it is basically out -of -site from the
street and neighbors' views.
I would appreciate any other potential alternatives the city could provide to me. Our goals are the same in
that we both want to maintain the aesthetics of the city. 1 plan to attend tonight's meeting at 6:30 and will
also provide photographs to assist in the review of this matter_
Sincerely,
Larry L. Simonson and Joyce Ericson
H: 430 -2965, W: 783 -4285
14301 57th Street North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082