09-11-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION August 21, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. LA23-000038 JOAT LLC – JACK EVANS, 1920 CONCORDIA STREET, REQUESTS A FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A NEW FRONT STOOP. City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the property owner constructed the home at 1920 Concordia Street in approximately 1972. The home was built at the 30-foot front yard setback leaving little room for more than a minimal stoop. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing small concrete stoop and replace it with an 8 foot by 8-foot deck. The existing stoop is about 27 feet from front property line. The new proposed deck would be 22-feet from the line. The intent is to create a small outdoor space and to provide a larger landing to support an accessible ramp. The applicant has provided supporting documentation regarding practical difficulties. Staff finds the location of the existing home at the building setback line creates difficulties for supporting anything larger than the building-code required minimum 4 foot by 3-foot entry stoop. Letters and calls of support from neighbors have been received. Staff recommends approval as applied. Kathy Weist, 1920 Concordia Street, said her father lives at the address. He is 85 years old and although he can still walk, has a hard time getting up the step. All the neighbors are in support. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. McCutcheon said this application is pretty conservative and Minnesota winters get tough as people get older. Ressler said he had nothing else to add. Erickson said he is in favor. Erickson moved, McCutcheon seconded, to approve LA23-000038, 1920 Concordia St. Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 0.