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Michele and John Abbott <br />2941 Casco Point Road <br />Orono, MN 55391 <br /> <br />October 29, 2022 <br /> <br /> <br />Public Comment Regarding Accessory Dwelling Unit Proposal <br /> <br /> <br />We support the development of an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. <br /> <br />The proposal notes that the ordinance is meant to allow alternative and multi-generational <br />housing types in the City of Orono. This is a positive movement in how our city views these <br />additional types of housing units. <br /> <br />Our concerns are: <br />Limiting this opportunity to properties with 1 full acre or more of property significantly limits <br />the population of residents who can take advantage of this proposal. We agree Orono should <br />not allow crowded lots or additional structures that disrupt the residential feel of our <br />neighborhoods, but those issues could be addressed in many lots under one acre by using <br />hardcover and set-back requirements or limiting the size of the ADU. <br /> <br />The requirements of this ordinance, including the lot size requirement and the requirement of <br />shared utility hook-ups, significantly limit existing properties and structures that will qualify for <br />ADUs. Assuming the city continues to have a bias to not approve variances – even when <br />situations are unique and neighbors are supportive – we suggest the city write the ordinance in <br />a way that is less restrictive, allowing a reasonable range of ADU structures within the scope <br />and purpose of the ordinance. This can be accomplished by reducing the lot size requirements. <br />Or, alternatively continue to maintain the one acre minimum while being open to supporting <br />reasonable hardships when this amount of property does not exist. <br /> <br />This ordinance assumes the ADUs will be new structures, but owners of existing structures may <br />want to change their Accessory Units to ADUs, and it seems the city should be given leeway to <br />allow for reasonable hardships in this situation. This would allow the property owners to use <br />these units in a way the city is trying to support (multi-generational housing), while at the same <br />time, maintaining the residential feel of the neighborhood. <br /> <br />Thank you for your consideration <br /> <br />Michele and John Abbott <br /> <br />