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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday, September 16,2019 <br /> 6:30 p.m. <br /> Barnhart noted the table will not be part of the code and is intended for illustrative purposes. <br /> Boils moved,Erickson seconded,to recommend approval of Application No.LA19-000062, City of <br /> Orono,Text Amendment,Accessory Building Size Regulations. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> 9. LA19-000064 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT, GARDENS AS PRINCIPAL <br /> USE REGULATIONS,9:08 P.M.—9:11 P.M. <br /> Barnhart stated current City Code allows gardens in many residential zoning districts. This amendment <br /> was created to allow the development of a community garden on city-owned property. <br /> No definition of garden has been included in the ordinance amendment. Since gardens are a permitted <br /> principal use,a principal structure is not required and the allowed accessory uses include docks, sheds, <br /> etc., which may defeat the purpose of the zoning district. <br /> Staff has prepared an ordinance that strikes the reference to gardens as a principal use in eight of nine <br /> residential zoning districts. In the zoning district that houses the community garden, Staff proposes <br /> defining community garden and allowing community gardens while striking the general term of <br /> "Garden". Community gardens are allowed with a license. <br /> The Planning Commission should discuss whether this change is appropriate. Without the alternative text <br /> in the proposed amendment,the community garden could not be expanded or relocated. In these <br /> situations, a variance is not a remedy as state statute does not permit"use"variances. <br /> To date, no public comments have been received. <br /> Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance as drafted. <br /> The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 9:09 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 9:09 p.m. <br /> Bollis asked if they are removing gardens as a use without a principal structure. <br /> Barnhart stated they are. <br /> Bollis asked if they are not defining garden at all. <br /> Barnhart indicated they are not. <br /> Bollis commented he is a little confused because it is not defined. <br /> Page 23 of 24 <br />