03-18-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES oF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, February 19,2002 6:30 o’clock p.m. (#2333 Proposed Zoning Code Amendment - Home Occupations, Continued) Kluth stated he is in favor of the draft ordmance, but would like to see some language included in the ordinance saying that if a home occupation fails these standards, they need to apply for a conditional use permit. Gaffron stated anytime a conditional use is listed in City Code, there should be enough standards attached to it so if those standards cannot be met, the Council can approve some conditions specific to one particular home occupation. Gaffron commented Staff would like the City Attorney to review that language prior to it being approved. Gaffron stated a third option could also be to broaden what home occupations would be allowed but to incor|torate stricter restrictions on the number of employees, et cetera. Kluth stated the conditional use permit language could be included later. Kluth stated the intent of the ordinance is to protect the neighborhood but still allow some businesses to be run out of the home. Ilawn stated the intent of the ordinance is also to allow the neighbors some recourse in the event a problem does develop. Hawn indicated she personally is happy with the restrictions contained in the ordinance, but that if other members of the Planning Commission would like to sec stricter restrictions, then perhaps this should be discussed further. Gaffron noted he has incorporated three questions into the ordinance, with the first question being found under Item J. Item J states, “no equipment, machinery, or materials other than of a type normally found in or compatible with a dwelling unit shall be allowed.” The question asks, “will this in effect prohibit operation of a landscape service or contractor with a backhoc or dump truck?” Gaffron stated that type of equipment generally is not associated with a dwelling use and there is a potential that some conflicts could arise. Kluth stated that also depends on how much land the person owns as well as the amount of screening that is provided. Hawn suggested adding the words, “to be parked outside”, noting there arc some larger properties where those t> pcs of businesses do exist. Rahn inquired whether the City requires that this type of equipment or vehicles be parked inside regardless of si/c. Gaffron stated the City does have an exterior storage ordinance that requires specific vehicles to be stored inside. Gaffron stated Items G and H deal with outdoor storage and parking. Mabusth inquired whether the existing home occupations would be grandfathered, noting there are one or two landscaping businesses that currently exist in Orono that would not be able to comply with this ordinance. Kluth inquired if they have an existing license currently, whether they would be grandfathered in. PAGES