Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 17,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> The Planning Commission should review the practical difficulties analysis provided and determine if they <br /> support granting the requested variances to improve the boathouse and lake access stair. The Planning <br /> Commission should carefully consider whether the applicant has satisfied the practical difficulties <br /> standard for their proposed accessory structure expansion and consider a motion to approve or deny the <br /> requested variances as appropriate. <br /> Thiesse asked if the encroachment would be from the top of the railing up since there is currently a <br /> railing. <br /> Curtis indicated it would be. <br /> Kevin Schultz,Revision, stated the existing vegetation hides the structure almost entirely from the <br /> lakeside. All of the foliage that is seen is intrinsic to erosion control, and if it is cut back or destroyed,the <br /> slope would be in danger of failing. Even with the height of the roof being raised,the roof peak height <br /> would still screened from behind. <br /> Sven Gustafson stated the roofline is essentially level with the back yard. <br /> Landgraver asked if it is screened on all four sides. <br /> Schultz indicated it is screened on all four sides,with the back side being accessible from the walkway. <br /> Gustafson indicated they are retractable screens and would only be visible when they are down. <br /> Thiesse asked if the L-shaped retaining wall currently exists. <br /> Curtis indicated it does. <br /> Gustafson noted the current stairs are made out of timber. <br /> Schultz stated the stairs are currently in poor condition. <br /> Libby commented despite all of the prohibitions about buildings being located along the lakeshore, <br /> boathouses are historic characteristics of lakeshore living. Libby stated in his view a porch above this <br /> structure would be very beneficial to the owner and would look complimentary to the lakeshore. <br /> Gustafson stated they are doing two of these in the City of Minnetrista at the present time in areas where <br /> the structures do not currently exist. Gustafson stated if they are called water oriented accessory <br /> buildings, 160 square feet of structure is permitted <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments related to this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse continued the public hearing to the October 8 City Council meeting. <br /> Thiesse stated the boathouse is not that large and is tucked in nicely. Thiesse stated in his view porches in <br /> Minnesota without screens could be considered a practical difficulty. <br /> Page 8 of 22 <br />