08-17-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 17, 1998 (#2408 MIKE HILBELINK, Continued) Chair Smith stated the Planning Commission has to act on what is presented to them, but the Applicant could request that the application be tabled to allow time to submit revised plans. Van Zomeren stated if the barn is to be used to house animals, the Planning Commission needs to know the exact lot lines that are being proposed. Schroeder stated to house horses a minimum of three acres is needed. Van Zomeren stated since the barn has not housed animals for an extended period of time, the intent to house animals probably has been abandoned and a new conditional use permit would be required. Van Zomeren stated if a new house is constructed on the backlot, it must meet the required setbacks for that lot, noting the restriction for the barn falls on the lot that contains the barn. Smith moved, Schroeder seconded, to table Application #2408 for property located at 900 Willow Drive North to allow the Applicant time to submit revised plans. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. OLD BUSINESS: CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARINGS, CONTINUED (#3) #2395 BRENT BENTROTT, 1453 PARK DRIVE -VARIANCES, 7:20 p.m. -7:45 p.m. • Van Zomeren stated this application was considered at the July 20 Planning Commission meeting where the Applicants requested hardcover variances, a ten foot vacation of platted, unopened Bluff Street, and side yard adjacent to street setback variances. The Planning Commission had recommended denial of the vacation of Bluff Street and tabled the application to allow the Applicant time to submit revised plans. Van Zomeren reported the Applicant has submitted a new plan that shows access from the street and locates the garage closer to the house, approximately 130 feet from the street. The Applicant is proposing to construct a two-story 22' by 25' garage. Van Zomeren stated she has spoken with Tom Kellogg, an engineer with Bonestroo, who has reviewed this plan. Kellogg has expressed concerns over the slope of the driveway, which would require a considerable amount of fill to obtain a grade of 8 percent. Van Zomeren stated the Planning Commission needs to consider whether this garage can be relocated to its proposed site, what grade the driveway should be at, how much fill will be allowed, how close the garage should be to the adjoining property line and existing house, and whether a variance to hardcover should be granted. Chair Smith stated this application involves issues that need to be addressed by an engineer, which the Planning Commission is not in a position to handle. Bentrott stated at the last meeting the Planning Commission had stated they would not be in favor of using the unopened street for access to the garage, which necessitated the need to relocate the garage. Bentrott remarked a structural engineer has viewed the property. Bentrott stated the adjacent property should not be impacted by the additional fill since the elevation is much higher. • Van Zomeren stated the engineer has also raised concerns about the distance available in the lot Page 5