01-18-2022 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,November 15,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Scott Kirchner,Commissioners Chris Bollis,Dennis Libby,Mark McCutcheon,and Jon Ressler; Commissioners Bob Erickson and Matt Gettman were absent.Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, City Planner Melanie Curtis,and City Planner Laura Oakden. Chair Kirchner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Libby moved,Bollis seconded,to approve the Agenda.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 20,2021 (CORRECTED)AND OCTOBER 18,2021 Ressler moved,McCutcheon seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of September 20,2021 (corrected)and October 18,2021.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. LA21-000069 HOXIE HOMES& REMODELING,LLC—JEFF HOME,4635 TONKAVIEW LANE,VARIANCES. Alena and Luke Severson,Applicants,were present. Staff presented a summary packet of information. City Planner Curtis stated the request is to expand the non-conforming home within the front yard setback.The home is situated almost entirely within the 35 foot front yard setback area and the front of the home encroaches 2 feet into the City's road right-of-way and the existing roof encroaches further.The Applicant has proposed an addition to the rear of the home, to add an attached garage,and a second floor.The Applicant has identified the existing condition as a practical difficulty supporting the requested variance.Additionally,they have provided supporting documentation and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Staff agrees there is difficulty inherent to the existing location of the home in reference to the property line.Any expansion of the majority of the home would require front yard setback variances. However,considering the scope of the project,the Applicant has alternatives for expansions which do not further encroach toward the front property line. Planning Staff recommends denial as proposed and suggests the Applicant redesign the project to receive a minimum of a 10-foot setback from the front property line for the second story. The Commissioners asked clarifying questions on setbacks,boundary lines,right-of-way,and a retaining wall. Alena Severson,Applicant,noted the family has lived there for 12 years,have 3 children,and the home is a 2 bedroom 1 bath house.They did not know about the property boundary coming through the house until they began the process.The Applicants would like to keep a smaller footprint while connecting a garage to the home. Architect Mike Eckert, 1039 Nebraska Ave. W., St.Paul, stated they are trying to add a second floor to add bedrooms and a bonus room,as well as expand the living space on the first floor.He noted the home Page 1 of 4