02-22-1995 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 22, 1995 Larry Berg, attorney for the applicant, presented a timeline of the history of the property. He noted that Council permitted the 9 91 acre parcel under consideration to maintain a 25 horse level of use years before the properties were legally combined In 1986 the City asked the Kokeshes to combine the parcels because he proposed to build a loafing shed which made one of the other parcels non- compliant The combination would eliminate this problem as well as give some tax benefits. Berg did not think that building the loafing shed put one of the parcels out of compliance. Berg noted this property has been considered a farm for a very long time. He added that the Last Straw Farm was a 9.91 acre parcel in 1957 with 27 horses Orono has always had laws that allowed farms to continue to be farms The Kokeshes are asking that the historic use of the property be permitted to continue, referring to the historic property lines and level of horse use. Peterson asked if this were a farm if it was taxed as Green Acres by Hennepin County. Napier did not think it was. Peterson noted it was not a traditional farm as it did not meet the full 10 acres and was not taxed as such Schroeder asked what the intention was of Mr Kokesh by creating this subdivision Berg responded that he would like to sell his property. A prospective buyer has indicated they do not want to own more than the 9 9 acre parcel which consists of the oversized accessory buildings and a home. Schroeder asked what Mr. Kokesh intended to do with the remaining 22 acres. Berg responded that he intends to sell that also, possibly in two parcels Schroeder suggested that development of the 22 acres could result in 4 lots in this 5 acre zone. Berg stated there was no intention to pursue development at this time, simply to divide off the 9.9 acre paicel and use as it has always been used. Berg expressed his view that the historic use of the property should be grandfathered in as it has continued since 1957. Mabusth did not consider this a "grandfather" situation. Berg reiterated that prior to 1986 and the combination of the property, the Planning Commission and Council approved a 25 horse level of use. Peterson did not agree with the idea that because the use existed since 19' that it should be grandfathered in and continue. Many changes have taken place since that time regarding the code. Smith asked how the future owners intended to use the property. Napier responded that it would be used for boarding, training, lessons - similar to the way the Kokeshes have used the property. No tack shops or horse shows are proposed. Schroeder noted the use is consistent with neighboring properties. Mabusth explained that based on current ordinances regarding the dry buildable acreage, 6 horses would be allowed. Three acres are required for the first horse and one acre for each additional horse. This is a reflection of grazing . areas needed for horses. If the area requirement could not be met, a variance would be brought before Council to decide that the horses would not need the pasture area. Mabusth commented that in the 1985 review, 25 horses were recorded for the 31.2 acres. During the 1985 review, the applicant advised the City that in 1975 there were 20 horses on the 9.9 acres.