09-16-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 • ( #2 - Zoning Amendment - Continued) Gaffron reported that the permitted uses are primarily service and retail and typically are not open 24 hours. He reviewed the current list noting the proposed removal of the tobacco shops. Gaffron said a tobacco shop was not an inherent bad neighbor but suggested it might be a good fit in the same zoning district as a liquor store, which is allowed in the B -1 and B3 zones. There are no tobacco shops in the B -5 at the present time; and therefore, it would not deprive any current business of that use. The other possible changes in conditional uses were "home and garden equipment rental" and "kennels ". There are no rental businesses in the B -5, but there are in the B -1, including Minnetonka A -1 Rental and possibly the hardware store. Gaffron questioned whether kennels were appropriately placed in the B -5 zoning considering the noise involved adding that noise could also be a problem at rental centers with the sounds of engines starting early in the morning, etc. Gaffron reported that off - street parking was also suggested for elimination from the B -5 District. Former Planning Commissioner Peterson bad expressed concern with parking being provided for businesses at another property. The Navarre municipal parking lot located in the B -1 District has been used for Lord Fletcher's employees and possibly by others as well. Gaffron reviewed possible language changes proposed. It was noted the • code as it relates to principle properties and related off - premise parking defies interpretation. Parking should be listed in all commercial districts as an accessory use. Gaffron suggested the off - street parking be a permitted accessory use when accessory to and on the same lot as the principle use. • Lindquist said he had a problem with looking at the zoning in a piece -meal fashion and preferred a more comprehensive study. Gaffron said it was Staffs recommendation that a more comprehensive review take place, especially in the B -5 District. Lindquist inquired about the B -6 zoning along Hwy 12. Gaffron said a study has been conducted of that area. Schroeder asked if this would not also be piece meal. Gaffron said the B -6 change suggested by the Committee was relatively straight forward. Smith asked if this should be reviewed in a work session. Schroeder asked what the driving force was behind the change to the B -6. Callahan responded that the Council was not particularly interested in changing or studying the B1 -B5 zones, though were not necessarily opposed. He said the change to the B -6 was for a particular purpose. 3