08-14-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July 17, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Schoenzeit stated if there is a 10 -foot setback, the fire ring should not be located within that. Barnhart stated a fire ring is similar to a planter or a similar structure that are less than two feet in height but that a fire ring has to comply with additional requirements, such as a 25 -foot yard setback from the house or other structure. Barnhart stated it appears from aerial photographs that approximately one out of every three lots on the lake has some sort of hardcover in the lake yard. Staff did receive a complaint, which is why this is being brought forward. Barnhart stated he does not see this as a huge issue but that he wants to make sure the intent of the ordinance is being met. Leskinen commented she is not sure whether it is necessary to go to this level, especially since the structures would be allowed to remain. Leskinen stated the things that are problematic to the lake are addressed elsewhere in the code. Schoenzeit asked if that reported situation is still compatible as far as material and size. Barnhart indicated it is. Thiesse asked if it is the City's intent to create an ordinance and then only enforce it when there is a complaint. Barnhart stated it is Staff's responsibility to adequately and accurately communicate the goals of the ordinance to the residents and that Staff generally does not have the time to inspect people's properties for possible violations. If the ordinance does not do what the Planning Commission envisioned, now is the time to change it. Landgraver stated he is not interpreting this as overreaching because the City was attempting to accommodate flexibility and expandability and everybody was doing something that is tolerated. Landgraver stated Staff is realistically not going to go out to these lots and tell them they have to remove it. Page 2 of 5