05-14-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 16, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Ryan Hasse, Applicant, stated they worked closely with City Staff to ensure their plan met all of the ordinances and requirements associated for the B5 zoning district. Hasse stated they do expect this business to operate close to what the district allows for with some exceptions. With regard to sound, to the north of the property is the Hennepin County maintenance facility, which is a considerable distance from this property. To the east is the fire department with a number of trees in between the two properties. Hasse stated they will not allow the dogs to just sit there outside and bark. In addition, the street is to the south and the Hope Chest is the closet neighbor and is to the west. Hasse indicated they took all that into consideration when designing their proposal. Hasse stated the accessory building would be a square building and that they have worked with the planners to meet the ordinances and codes to ensure it would be in compliance and to build an appealing structure. Hasse noted a dog park was opened in Orono not too long ago and is very popular and that they are creating a beautiful space for dogs to be indoors during the winter and outdoors during the summer. Nicole Speck, Orono, noted The Woofington is for small dogs only and that there is a need for a large dog space in Orono. As part of this proposal the dogs will be fenced in and will be supervised. Speck stated their clients bring their dogs to them so the dogs can learn to be well behaved and that they want to provide that service in a way that is productive for everyone. Speck stated they are open to feedback from the neighbors, noting that the dogs will not be permitted to bark constantly. If there are dogs that are not able to be helped, they will be let go. Speck indicated she has worked in the dog industry for 20 years and that the goal is to create great canine assistance for the community. Speck stated in her view the way they have structured it achieves that goal. Hasse stated because the ordinance does not necessarily contemplate this type of use as it relates to parking, theoretically by ordinance they will exceed the parking requirements for the proposed business use. The second building will just be used for dogs and one staff member. Hasse indicated people will drive in at the front, drop off their animal, and leave. Hasse stated in their view the parking is adequate, but that they do have a 35 percent hardcover limit so they have the ability to add parking if necessary. As it relates to the second driveway, Hasse stated that is an old, unmaintained driveway that they would be happy to remove since they do not plan on using it. Speck commented their kennel is unique and that they will not be kenneling dogs in the traditional sense. The facility will be a cage -free boarding facility and the dogs will be treated like they are in their own home. Speck noted they will only be kenneling a very small percentage of dogs by reservation only and those dogs will be with a staff member. Hasse stated offering boarding to their existing daycare clientele is the goal and that this will not be the traditional boarding kennel where people can just bring their dog in. Hasse indicated they will be catering to a higher clientele so their dogs can have an at-home experience. Thiesse asked on average how many dogs there will be at the facility. Hasse stated the smaller structure will handle 15 dogs at capacity but that it is not likely all those dogs will be there at the same time. The bigger structure will have around 35 to 40 animals at capacity. Hasse