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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 22,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a variance to allow a 6-foot tall privacy fence to be constructed <br /> in the side street yard between the two driveway entrances. Ferndale Road is a local street, and per City <br /> Code, a maximum of a 42-inch tall fence is allowed. <br /> Staff finds the request to be reasonable. While not a county road or state highway, Ferndale Road is a <br /> busy street that connects Orono to Wayzata's downtown area. City Code would allow for a 6-foot fence <br /> in this location if the home was located on a major thoroughfare. The applicant has stated the high <br /> volume of traffic and use of the road has created a burden on the property. The shape of the lot is also <br /> unique compared to its neighbors in the shape and location of the principal structure sitting close to the <br /> right-of-way where separation could improve safety conditions for the property. <br /> The questions the Planning Commission should discuss the intent of the fence setbacks to determine if the <br /> proposed fence location is in harmony with the intent of the Ordinance and they should consider the <br /> impact of the proposed fence upon the neighborhood as well as existing and anticipated traffic conditions. <br /> Barnhart stated it does seem reasonable that a 6-foot high fence be allowed given the level of traffic on <br /> Ferndale Road. <br /> Lemke asked whether the fence on the western side of the property is existing and is also a 6-foot fence. <br /> Barnhart stated that fence can be six feet high and that the variance is only being requested for the <br /> proposed fence in the front yard setback. <br /> Thiesse asked whether Staff has any traffic numbers. <br /> Barnhart indicated he is not aware of any numbers and that he can check with Wayzata to see whether <br /> there have any traffic counts for the road. <br /> Thiesse stated if the high amount of traffic is the reason for the variance, he would like to see some <br /> documentation of that. <br /> Todd Irvine, Landscape Architect, stated the property owner is unable to be here tonight. The proposal is <br /> pretty straight forward. The house is very close to the intersection of County Road 15 in addition to being <br /> located on a busy road. There is also a large gravel leftover area that people use to park when they go for <br /> walks or bike on the trail. Part of the reason for the fence is to attenuate the noise from Ferndale and also <br /> provide some privacy from the cars parking in that gravel area. <br /> Irvine noted the right-of-way on Ferndale is a little wider than a normal right-of-way and that it is 22 feet <br /> from the edge of the road back to the proposed fence location. Irvine stated in his view it will not impact <br /> cars visually as they drive down Ferndale. There are also fences and hedges much closer to the street <br /> further down the street than what is being proposed here and it is in character with the rest of the <br /> neighborhood. <br /> Landgraver asked what the finished product will look like from the street side. <br /> Irvine indicated it will be horizontal cedar 1 x 6's and the posts will be kind of hidden to create a <br /> contemporary feel to it. The fence will either be natural stained or black to match the trim on the house. <br /> Page 3 of 20 <br />