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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION <br />TOPIC. HOME OCCUPATIONS <br />HELD JUNE 4,1997 <br />Smith thought the definition of resident could mean full time occupant. <br />Van Zomeren explained the reason size is regulated is basically to limit the number of customers, <br />employees, and stock. Space limitations are difficult to regulate and can give a false sense of <br />security. Should equipment be allowed in the home such as computers or storage of tractors for a <br />lawn service? <br />Smith felt little storage sheds on property are an appearance issue and controls need to be in place <br />as to what can be left outside. <br />Walt Holzer said Orono does not have enough commercial property. Where do people go when they <br />are denied an accessory structure for storage? Small businesses can't afford commercial property. <br />Van Zomeren noted that development is encroaching the suburbs. Problems exist for service <br />workers as they can't afford to be in business within the local areas and need to locate further away <br />to more affordable areas. <br />Gaffron said Orono's 2 acre and 5 acre zones comprise about 80% of the City's land acreage. The <br />• 5 acre zone is about 85 -90% built up to its zoned density. Within the 2 acre zoning there is the <br />possibility of another 500 -600 homes yet to be built. The projection within twenty years under the <br />current zoning, is for the City to be totally built with approximately 60% of City divided into 2 acre <br />lots. Under the Comp. Plan was it the intent that 2 acre lots be big enough to deal with home <br />occupations that need storage or was it to be expected only in the 5 acre or larger zones? <br />Stoddard felt if a lot is large enough to have an accessory structure, it could be used for storage <br />purposes. He did not feel outside storage of machinery was appropriate. <br />Gaffron explained most lots can have a 1,000 s.f. garage. A 1/2 acre lot or smaller can have a 1,000 <br />s.f. accessory building that meets all the zoning requirements. Do we want to allow activities in an <br />area that could fit into a garage or are there certain activities that should not happen in a 1/2 acre <br />zone? Is it affordable to purchase Orono property to create more commercial areas? <br />McMillan felt the emphasis on the character of Orono should be peace and quiet. <br />Stoddard indicated that the Mayor and City Attorney should be consulted with issues regarding <br />Orono's Comprehensive Plan to gain more information before the next work session. <br />Van Zomeren asked members how they felt about retail sales. <br />�J <br />