08-20-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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To: Chair Thiesse and Planning Commission Members Dustin Rief, City Administrator From: Melanie Curtis, Planner i'Y)GG Date: 20 August 2018 Subject: #LA18-000057, City of Orono, Text Amendment: Accessory Building & Structure Setbacks Public Hearing - Continued Application Summary: The draft ordinance would re -organize the regulations, and clarify the setbacks for accessory buildings and structures throughout the City. Staff Recommendation: Planning Commission should continue the public hearing opened in June and discuss the proposed format and amendments. Staff will prepare an ordinance for future consideration, based on input received. Background/Update This is a continuation of the discussion beginning in June, regarding proposed changes for Accessory Building and Structure setbacks. The changes discussed thus far have been regarding the overall organization of the regulations in the Code, and whether or not adjustments to the existing setbacks are needed. Staff has prepared a summary of the existing regulations in a newly organized table format, as well as a table showing proposed changes to the setbacks for the R -1A, R1-13, LR -1A, & LR -1B districts. The proposed changes to the setbacks reflect the feedback from the previous discussions with the Planning Commission. Monday's discussion should focus on the format of the table, is it clear and easy to understand, etc.; and whether or not the changes to the setbacks being contemplated are appropriate and reasonable. As a point of clarification, the Planning Commission will recall that this amendment will be a wholesale rewrite. Not all existing regulations will transfer, in the interest of these primary goals: 1. Ease of Use. The user can find the applicable regulation using common logic. 2. Clarity. The user can understand the regulation, and how it applies to their question. Reduce the number of exceptions. 3. Remove unnecessary or excessive regulation. In some cases, regulations designed to address a singular concern will be removed, in the interest of goals 1 and 2 above. Applicable Definitions (Section 78-1) Accessory use or structure means a use or structure subordinate to and serving the principal use or structure on the same lot and customarily incidental to the principal use or structure. Building means any structure having a roof which may provide shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or chattel; and when the structure is divided by party walls without opening, each portion of such building so separated shall be deemed a separate building.