10-15-2001 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 17,2001 6:30 o’clock p.m. (MH>2708 Michael and Jeanie McClelland, Continued) Avenue where the snow can be stored. Weinberger stated to his knowledge there has not been an issue with snow storage in this area since the fence has existed for a number of years. Roth stated he would be agreeable to a six-foot fence if it is located off the property line. Hawn reiterated the issue before the Planning Commission tonight is whether to grant a variance for a six-foot fence. Frank indicated the fence has always been six feet in height. Lindquist inquired whether a hardship existed for the si.x-foot fence. McClelland staled if he is required to have a SO-foot setback, he would be Id) with half his yard. Hawn stated the hardship needs to be imposed by the land justifying the need for a higher fence. McClelland ind'■> ated the property to the south is unsightful. Lindquist stated in order for the Planning 'Commission to grant a variance, a hardship must be demonstrated which is inherent to the land. McClelland stated the property to the south is being used for scrap iron storage, with the house currently being unsided. McClelland stated he would prefer not to have to look at that. Hawn staled unfortunately that hardship is not imposed by the land. Fritzler agreed that there does not appear to be a hardship. Rahn noted the fence had existed for a number of y ears prior to being remov ed and that residents are allowed to replace structures that arc existing. Rahn noted the fence does not abut an adjoining property. Hawn stated since this is considered a comer lot, they are essentially dealing with two front yards. Haw n commented in her view due to the undeveloped nature of Minnetonka Avenue, she would consider this to be a side yard rather than a front yard. W einberger stated Staff looked for unusual property conditions on this lot and determined that it is a comer lot One of the criteria for a hardship is that the lot does not have the same characteristics or is unique in some fashion to the other lots in the area. Weinberger stated the intent of the ordinance is to maintain a consistent fence height for fences on comer lots. Weinberger stated the uniqueness of this lot is that there arc only two lots along Minnetonka Avenue, with no improvements being planned for this street. Mabusth inquired whether there are any utility lines within the right-of-way along the undeveloped portion of Minnetonka Avenue. Mabusth commented that perhaps this right-of-way was intended to be for storage of snow . PAGE 3 J