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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCII.AND PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> JOINT WORK SESSION <br /> Monday,January 9,2012 <br /> 5:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Franchot stated the issue he keeps having is if they get 100 square feet of deck, the builders will not build <br /> it and incorporate the square footage into the house. <br /> Walsh stated the average hardcover number has been 26 or 28 percent even though the maximum number <br /> is 25. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the City rarely goes over the 15 percent structural coverage limit, and if the property <br /> owner is allowed 25 percent plus a couple of items that do not count against hardcover, that might be a <br /> good solution. <br /> Gaffron commented that is a dangerous slope because every lot is a different shape and that he does not <br /> feel the City can do that in a fair and equitable manner. Gaffron commented they are comparing different <br /> situations and that they would never be able to get to a good average. <br /> McMillan stated it would depend on whether the 0-75 foot area is included in the hardcover calculations <br /> and that she would be in favor of the 75-250 foot zone for the house. McMillan commented it gets <br /> complicated with the different zones and the various surveys that are required. <br /> Franchot stated he would like to hear more about the rationale to codify the average. Franchot asked why <br /> the City would want to allow different items to not be counted. <br /> Gaffron stated the DNR has identified certain percentages, and once you get past 10 or 15 percent, other <br /> factors start to impact the lake. <br /> McMillan stated the DNR is saying the 25 percent basically applies to developed lakeshore along Lake <br /> Minnetonka. McMillan questioned whether the City wants to hold people on Lake Minnetonka to the 15 <br /> percent standard. <br /> Franchot noted the DNR standards are state-wide. <br /> McMillan commented it would also depend on the shape of the lot. <br /> Printup stated he would like to avoid CUPs and overreaching regulations. Printup indicated he would be <br /> in favor of some things not be considered hardcover, such as a certain size deck; handicap ramps; roofs <br /> with overhangs, with or without a post; bay windows;the tops of retaining walls if they are required, <br /> pools; and permeable fabric. Printup stated he would be in favor of giving credit for rain barrels, which is <br /> similar to a pool. <br /> Printup noted hardcover regulations were established in 1975. The total number of households in 1980 <br /> was 2291 and in 2010 it was 2826. Printup stated this area is close to being built out, and that his <br /> impression is, when looking at these issues, that they are treating the area like the majority of it is virgin <br /> land, which is not the case. Printup stated it is important to keep strict regulations around the lake but that <br /> he is not sure what the benefit is to doing more. <br /> Gaffron stated he has looked at different lot shapes and how different lot shapes affect hardcover in the <br /> various zones. Gaffron stated a number of factors come into play on these lots and that he is compiling a <br /> list of what variances were granted on lot area and hardcover in the various zones. Gaffron stated it is <br /> difficult to compare apples to apples given the varying circumstances. <br /> Gozola stated the main goal being expressed tonight is the desire to simplify the ordinance. Gozola stated <br /> if the primary goal is to simplify the ordinance,perhaps the City should keep the zones in place. <br /> — Page 9 of 11 <br />