02-02-1994 Planning Work Session

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNLNG COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRU,\RY 2, 1994 explained part of the agreement with the DNR regarding no car/trailer parking within a mile of any public access. Gaffron poKceded with the code item of landscaping areas within the envelope. There is an iiKonsistenc) with the code for yard requirements. Nolan asked if regulations were relaxed to fit the existing areas, would problems arise in connection with development ot new mannas. Gaffron stated there is one area available between Lakeside and Gayle's that is zoned B-2 which has four houses on it. The area between North Shore Drive and Lakeside Marina which the DNR bought is still zoned LR-lC-1. 1/2 acre single family residential. Nolan said the reality of a new marina is almost nil and more focus needs to be done on the existing marinas. Gaffron noted w ithin the last ten years, major changes have been made to Minnetonka Boat Works, Windward and Sailors World. They have K*en granted a number of variances and while they do not completely meet all code standards, progress has been made. The lakeshore landscaping section has been in place sitice 1975. Gaffron noted that the lakeshorc landscape area shall be equal to 10% of the depth of the lot. For instance, tl there is 200 ’ from the street to the lake, there must be a 20 ’ strip along the lake that is landscaped. However the lakeshore yard requirement of 75' seems to be in conflict with the 10% standard, and the requirement that aU required yard areas be landscaped and planted with trees and shrubs would seem to override any other landscaping requirements. Gaffron noted the code rc^mres that the detailed landscape plan for each landscaping area sliall provide natural screening 50 % opaque during summer months. A privacy fence may be required in addition to the natura landscaping. The use of anv fencing shall not satisfy the requirements ot providing natural landscaping. It has to be nui ^*ry stock. Gaffron explained that in 1975 three year plans were developed for landscape plantings. Some but not all of the marinas were successful wit t e program He said a proposed addition to this section is all landscape areas shall be sulliciently delineated by acceptable physical barrier so as to eliminate the encroachment of vehicle parking or fK>at storage. A problem exists if you don’t have a raised landscape area or curb that defines it, because cars and boats creep into the space and soon it is gone. Another proposed addition to this section defines what landscaping means. All gnmndcover shall be natural living materials such as grass or other planted groundcover. Decorative rockbeds shall constitute no more than 10% of the required landscape areas. Smith questioned whv some plantings do not take - is it because of neglect or lack of maintenance or other unique problems such as keeping lands healthy and well.> Gaffron replied that all t.iose have an impae . Salt from the winter roadsides can be a problem for the trees. Parking boats cause damage. I.;mdscaping is something that you have to work at. were any comments on landscaping. Rich Anderson asked if trees are more desirable ^an fencing Gaffron replied that visually a fence will be sufficient for mere screening b probably not desirable to look at. Mabusth added that for protection purposes you might want