03-20-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ik ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23. 2000 (#2561 Frank and Barbara Peterson, Continued) Nygard commented the City's policies are designed to help lessen the impact to the lake and lakeshore as much as possible. Peterson noted a garage located in her neighborhood did obtain a variance to structural coverage. Peterson commented she would be willing to remove the existing shed in order to construct a nice garage. Bottenberg stated most of the sheds located in this area have been constructed without the necessary approvals and permits. Peterson stated they have a one-story house and would like to construct a garage to store their vehicles as well as other personal property. Smith stated it can be a hardship to be without a garage in Minnesota. Smith inquired what the structural coverage would be if the garage was reduced to 24' by 28'. Bottenberg stated it would be 15.6 percent. Hawn commented that the Planning Commission generally does not deviate from the 15 percent. Hawn stated she would like to see the Applicant comply with the 15 percent, noting she does not have a problem with the rest of the application. Kluth inquired whether the Comprehensive Plan addresses garages at all. Gaffron stated the City's Plan contains a statement which says the City will not adopt an ordinance requiring a miriimum house size nor will it specify that the house should have a garage. The present City Council looks at the applications as if the Applicant will eventually build a garage if it is not specified in the plan and requires that the Applicant allot some of their structural coverage to a future garage to insure that they will comply with the 15 percent structural coverage limit. Hawn inquired what the structural coverage would be with a 24' by 24' garage. Bottenberg stated with a 24' by 24' garage, the Applicant would be under the allowable limit. Bottenberg noted the garage cannot exceed the height of the principal structure. Smith inquired whether the Planning Commission would be willing to allow structural coverage at 15.6 percent. Kluth commented the Planning Commission needs to have a consistent standard to adhere to. Hawn indicated she does not have a problem with approving the other variances, but would like to see the Applicant comply with the 15 percent structural coverage limit. Peterson commented a 24' by 24' garage is smaller than most of the sheds that exist in the area. Hawn stated a 22' by 22' garage is the standard size garage, which can accommodate two cars. Nygard commented the Planning Commission may be setting a precedent if they approve anything in excess of the 15 percent. Peterson stated she would also like to construct the garage to help improve the appearance of the Page 15 ^ - -»*-