09-08-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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#03-2919 August 12,2003 Page 3 The visual impacts of the combined structure are potentially significant due to the proposed attachment to the existing garage via a 15'x 11 ’ greenhouse structure. The at attachment will be offset 5' from either end of the garages, so its visual impact will potentially be reduced by breaking up the length of what would otherwise be 70* long rear southwest-facing facade, which will be visible to anyone entering Orono on Highway 12. The City has a 10' building-to-building separation requirement not only to address fire safety issues but to aid in the goal of limiting visual density and building massing. Staff finds that the need for a second building for storage is not unreasonable, and the potential locations for such structure are limited because this is a wooded comer lot with hills and wetlands to contend with. The hvo accessory buildings plus the greenhouse structure attaching them will total 2009 s.f The property is allowed up to 2000 s.f. of accessory structures in total, but no individual accessory structure over 1000 s.f Connecting them with the proposed greenhouse structure would not strictly be in keeping with the intent of the OAS ordinance, and would potentially have the negati'. a impacts that the ordinance intends to avoid. Pool Setback Variance. The proposed pool in either of the ^vo configurations provided is about 900 s.f. of surface area, requiring a minimum setback of 15' from a side or rear lot line, but required to meet a 50' setback from a side street lot line and 10* from other buildings. The pool will be in- ground, which will have limited visual impacts that could be reduced by privacy fencing or vegetative screening depending on how much of a pool surround is proposed within the 1 O' requested setback area. It should also be noted that the neighborhood noise impacts associated with the pool are minimal at this location far from any neighbors. It is unknown how MnDOT may use the adjoining right-of-way during the Highway 12 construction over the next 4 years, but that may impact how close applicants want to be to the right-of-way. Staff feels a minimum of 15' setback should be required for the pool. CUP for Plumbing in Accessory Structure. The proposed garage will include a toilet'sink/shower, and therefore requires a conditional use permit. Planning Commission should ascertain that the apparent multi-purpose functions of this building do not include use as a guest house. If that is the case, approval for a CUP for plumbing in an accessory structure would be appropriate if these findings can be made: 1 . That the proposed use of the accessory stnicture with plumbing will not be detrimental to the residential character of the neighborhood. 2.That the plumbing fixtures proposed are in keeping with the intended use of the accessory building. 3. 4. The property is 2.9 acres in area or larger (it is not; it less than 2 acres in area). % • The accessory building is conforming in location, size and height (it won’t be - variances are requested).• i k \ . -r