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