06-15-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 15, 1998 • (#3 - #2370 Gary O'Keefe — Continued) City Staff is recommending submittal of a revised grading plan, limiting the hardcover to 6765 square feet overall, no walkout, and evaluating whether grading of the hill is appropriate in the 0-75' zones. O'Keefe stated he is willing to reduce hardcover by eliminating a portion of the driveway. Chair Smith commented she had hoped the hardcover discrepancy could have been resolved prior to tonight's meeting. O'Keefe stated that he calculated the hardcover at 8,665 square feet based on his own measurements. Gaffron noted that the staff did not calculate the current hardcover but relied upon an existing survey. Gaffron commented he would prefer having the O'Keefe's surveyor calculate the amount of hardcover currently existing rather than have City Staff review the property. Gaffron indicated a bigger issue for the Planning Commission to decide upon is what is the appropriate hardcover for this property. O'Keefe inquired why there are differences in hardcover requirements between Wayzata and Orono when they share the same lake. McMillan indicated Orono's ordinances governing hardcover are more restrictive. O'Keefe also indicated very little grading will be done in the area where the residence is presently situated. It was the concensus of the Planning Commission that a revised grading plan needs to be submitted in order to allow them to make a determination on a variance and conditional use permit. • O'Keefe indicated he would be able to supply a revised grading plan by Thursday. In response to a question by Chair Smith whether Mr. O'Keefe would be willing to reduce hardcover in the 75-250' zones, O'Keefe stated he would be in favor of reducing hardcover, noting that the Planning Commission had recommended hardcover be limited to 40%at its last meeting, which he has attempted to comply with. O'Keefe's architect has designed the residence with special pavers which would allow water to pass through. Commissioners agreed that grading to blend in with the neighbor's property was acceptable with an approved grading plan. Chair Smith inquired whether anyone from the public wished to comment on this application. Diann Goetten, City Council Representative, inquired why 40%hardcover was being recommended for this property. Gaffron reported that 40%in the 75-250' zone was suggested as a figure that could be obtainable for this parcel of land. Since the Applicant is now proposing to raze the existing structure, the property would be considered as a new buildable lot, and the standard hardcover requirements would be in effect. There was no further public comment. • Hawn stated she would like hardcover to be reduced from 40%, noting that no vote was taken on 5