02-11-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 22, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 4 Libby commented he is proud to be part of a community that has some guardrails against certain things, but that he is also glad to be part of a community that is progressive. The applicant desires to obtain electricity from the sun and that he tends to be in favor of the applicant being able to do this without an accessory structure. Erickson stated he does not have solar at his house, but he was among the first to adopt a significant amount of prairie grass around his house, and after a few years it has turned into an asset. Erickson stated he appreciates the effort the applicant is doing in that regard. Lemke stated he is in agreement with the comments by Commissioner Landgraver and that solar panels on the house or an accessory structure would be more obtrusive. Thiesse indicated he is in agreement. Part of the intent of the ordinance was to keep it close to the house but the applicants have done the opposite of that and moved it as far away from the house as possible. If the area is turned into prairie, it will be more visible, and it will be difficult to screen since the panels need to be exposed to the sunlight. Thiesse stated the use of solar energy outweighs those concerns and he would be in favor of it. Landgraver asked if he is suggesting that the City review their code that it be X feet from the house. Thiesse stated in his view it should be closer to the house and that he is not really in favor of making that area prairie. Libby moved, Landgraver seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA18-000103, All Energy Solar on behalf of Eleanor Ferril, 240 Wakefield Road, variance. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.