04-19-2021 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

• To: Chair Kirchner and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator ti€(t): From: Jeremy Barnhart,AICP, Community DevelopmentkFSHO� Director Date: April 19, 2021 Subject: #LA21-27, City of Orono Text Amendment related to Plumbing in Residential districts Application Summary: The draft ordinance would remove the requirement for Conditional Use Permits for showers/baths in accessory buildings. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval as drafted. Background The city closely regulates guest apartments and guest homes,to avoid undesired increased density in residential districts. As part of that regulation, any accessory building that includes a shower or bath requires a conditional use permit. • In the last 15 months,there have 8 conditional use permits for plumbing/guest houses, including one of those for a guest house. City staff sees this as an unnecessary burden for residents,given the conditions imposed by ordinance. When plumbing in an accessory building is approved,the property owner is required to record a covenant against the property that states the accessory building will not be: a. Used for a home occupation unless specifically approved by the city or if allowed by this Code. b. Used as a dwelling unless a guest house conditional use permit is obtained. c. Rented, leased or otherwise provided for use as a dwelling under any circumstances. To address this issue,staff proposes the changes illustrated in the draft ordinance. These changes include: o adjustment to the definition of a guest house to incorporate building code standards o Removal of the CUP requirement for plumbing improvements that include shower or bath. It should be noted that changes to the Conditional Use and Accessory uses sections of most residential districts will be necessary to reflect the changes. The two sections(Section 78-228 and 78-229) are provided as examples. Public Comments To date, no public comments have been received.