04-26-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Future of Technical Review Committee Two years aiio it was Orono’s impression that the group of 14 Minnetonka cities working together would result in creation of a single ordinance that all vould adhere to. Orono opted out of that priKcss. anticipating that this "least common denonm..itor"‘ apr*oach would result in an ordinance less strict than Orono might find acceptable Instead, the Technical Review Committee (TRC) became a forum for the planning staff of each city to compare notes and interact with the DNR. while each city created its own ordinance to address its own needs. THe^iIs?scheduIe<l mwting of the TRC occurred April 20th. It was agreed by all in attendance that the Shorel process had brought forth a common concern about mandated stormwater regulations on ll« hoMon. The general consensus was that the full complement of cities should problb^fiSSlifi tfteoct on a quarterly basis, with representatives of ail the agencies involved with stormwater management being included. However, while the TRC existed pursuant to the DNR’s Shoreland Contract Agreements, there is no single entity yet in charge of die stormwater planning process. It was suggested that the LMCD Environmental Committee might coordinate funire TRC meetings. I will advise the Council as this develops further. Update on Orono ’s Shoreland Ordinance Implementation It has been 14 months since we adopted our Shoreland Ordinance. In implementing that ordinance, the Building & Zoning Department is finding certain aspects of it create a degree of consternation for building permit and subdivision applicants. The setbacks for some of the Naniral Environment lakes have been an issue, especially in the case of recently subdivided lots suduenly not having conforming building sites due to increased setback requirements. While most of the new Shoreland Regulations merely expand the geographical scope of our former ordinances, the septic code in particuh is providing consult repercussions. Recall that within the Shoreland Zones, anytime a permit. CUP. or variance is requested, that triggers a review of the septic system confonnity . Our code (pursuant to the DNR mandate), requms that existing systems be upgraded/replaced if they are too near the seasonal water table identified by mottling. Many of our residents get a rude awakening when they come in for a permit to build a $1,(XX) deck, or rcroof their house, and find that they have to spend $8,(X)0-10.(X)0 on a new septic system. Staff is proceeding with plans to complete the seasonal water table depth analysis for each of the Shoreland properties and advise homeowners of their status as soon as possible, so that they are not surprised at some future date when they apply for a permit. As soon as we have completed our topographic mapping, a set of topographic maps with plat mar overlay will be overlaid with boundaries of the Shoreland .le, cs a deuiiled referei^e map. In this way. staff can readily and accurately determine whether or not all or part of a -iven propertv is within the Shoreland Zone and subject to the regulations Using the^ maps, laff will also' recommend lo Council whether there are any areas that can be omitted from the Shoreland Zi'nc based on topographic considerations, as provided for in ci”- ordinance ch i