07-17-2023 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION June 20, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. neighbor supports the application. Staff recommends approval with the conditions to require screening of the newer retaining wall where feasible in order to preserve the natural vegetated view from the lake and that all work to construct the walls be contained on the subject property. Or if that's not possible, that written permission is submitted with the building permit from the abutting neighbor at 1860 Shadywood Road for any construction or grading work that occurs outside of the property boundary. Bob Renaud, MN Green Landscaping, 327 Marschall Road, Shakopee, reiterated that the main goal was to save the tree and build a wall that will last longer than the current one. Libby asked about past dumping by the wall. Renaud said there was no contamination. What was dumped was yard waste that was organic material that eventually rotted through the timber wall. He said the tree was a red oak and they would not be excavating around the roots but simply removing the old wall. Acting Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. There were no public comments. Acting Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. Ressler said staff had done a good job and the goal of preserving the tree before it was too late for mitigation would be something that most would support. Libby asked about erosion barriers. City Planner Oakden said those would be required as part of the permitting process. Erickson commented that boulders are natural so perhaps a high level of screening is not necessary. Kraemer moved, Schultze seconded, to approve LA23-000023 Bob Renaud, Minnesota Green, 1856 Shadywood Road, request for A 75' lake setback variance with the conditions set by staff. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 0. 4. LA23-000024 SARAH & KEVIN REVERING, 1960 FOX RIDGE ROAD, REQUEST A FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR AN ADDITION. City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the applicants are proposing a small 350 square foot garage addition on the west side of the home connecting to the existing attached garage and accessible to the existing driveway. The property is a corner lot situated on Brown Road South and Fox Ridge Road. The existing home is set back 56.9 feet from Brown Road. The garage addition on that side would result in a 46 -foot setback because the home is angled with respect to the property line, she said. That small portion of the addition would require a front setback variance. Practical difficulties include a wetland and a septic treatment area on a portion of the lot making that part unbuildable. No public comment has been received. Staff recommends approval of the variances. Page 4 of 8