02-21-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION January 17, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. Erickson said while the commission would like to see applications in advance things happen and he doesn't see a reason to deny. Libby said spiral staircases can be very creative problem solvers and this is a good application of that. I think this is very unobtrusive, and a method of solving what could be a much more complicated problem. I agree with staff. Erickson moved, Ressler seconded, to approve LA22-000067, 1270 Wildhurst Trail, Variances as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 4, Nays 0. 4. LA22-000071 JIM HILLIER, 1224 BRIAR STREET AND 1245 ARBOR STREET, REQUESTS LOT WIDTH AND LOT AREA VARIANCES IN ORDER TO FACILITATE AN ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT (SUBDIVISION EXCEPTION). City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the Hilliers owned both properties at 1224 Briar and 1245 Arbor Street. The Arbor Street property is undeveloped. They're proposing to move the common lot outline between the two properties to enlarge the area with their home site on Briar and reduce the size of the Arbor property. Both properties are currently non -conforming with respect to area and width and will remain non -conforming. However, the area the Arbor Street lot is proposed to be approximately 3500 square feet larger than the existing Briar Street property. As proposed the Arbor Street property will have an approximate 2300 square foot building envelope which is reasonable for this neighborhood. On the Briar lot, the proposed change moves the defined front from Briar to Minnetonka. This results in a change to the setbacks on the Briar lot. Because the properties are non -conforming with respect to width, an area variance is required in order to complete the administrative boundary line adjustment. The applicant identified the character of the neighborhood and the non -conforming status of the lots as practical difficulties supporting their request. Regarding practical difficulty staff agrees that the proposed configuration results in a size and orientation which remain consistent with the neighborhood. There are very few properties which meet the RR1B district standards in this immediate neighborhood. Staff received a few calls from the public with questions on the application. However, no formal public comments have been submitted. Staff recommends approval of the lot with lot area variances to support an administrative boundary line adjustment. Libby asked if there are any helpful precedents for approving non -conforming lots in this area. Cutis answered she could not think of one in that neighborhood. The City has done others but they are not common. Jim Hillier 1224 Briar Street said he had no additional comments but would be happy to answer questions. McCutcheon asked about the motivation for moving the boundary line. Mr. Hillier said the motivation is to give them the ability to better utilize the Briar Street lot, because they will gain a little structural coverage and ground coverage. Page 6 of 13