06-11-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 21, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Thiesse stated he appreciates the explanation. Ressler stated he has these thoughts about driving down a narrow road with trucks coming in and out and there are all these privacy fences. Ressler stated from his perspective it is good to have a little bit of visibility but that he is also in agreement with simplifying, which might be somewhat conflicted. Thiesse asked how far off the right-of-way the gate has to be. Curtis indicated monuments must be five feet off the traveled roadway and property lines and gates should be 10 feet from the traveled roadway. Libby stated this is a neighborhood that is heavily wooded and there really is not any fencing except for some split rail fences. Libby asked whether this is a privacy issue. Thiesse noted the ordinance would be city-wide. Lemke commented someone can always request a variance. Barnhart noted it is hard to argue practical difficulty on an accessory structure. Seals stated he likes the idea of a simpler code and that perhaps the City should have some trust in the citizens that they will do the right thing. Erickson noted there was mention about emergency access and that he was wondering if gates can be set up mechanically to allow access and what happens if there is a power outage. Curtis stated the fire department requested a lock box at the time the original ordinance was adopted and that requirement would remain. Ferrer stated there is also something called a YELP mode and that the gate will open up if the siren is loud enough. Thiesse commented 25 percent from 100 percent is a big step. Landgraver stated the reason for rules and regulations is to prevent ambiguity and to require people to go through a process. Landgraver stated he is in agreement with simplifying the ordinance but that he is not okay with just simply rolling the dice and seeing what happens. Ressler agreed with Commissioner Landgraver. Thiesse stated he would rather than visit the issue a year from now to see if there are any issues. Lemke asked what prompted this ordinance change. Barnhart indicated it was due to the request of the gentleman in the audience as well as the Mayor, who has asked Staff to take a look at it.