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