02-18-2025 Planning Commission minutes

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Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Commissioners said they were concerned about the turning radius, length of the new road, and the density of the plat, given the wetlands so close to the lake, although the lots are conforming. They said they could anticipate future owners of the lots coming back for variances. It was noted property owners have the right to develop their property. McCutcheon moved, Prchal seconded, to deny LA24--000059, 215 North Arm Lane, Preliminary Plat: "Idyllvale Shores", as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 2 (Ressler and Kirchner). Chair Bollis recessed the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 p.m. 6.3 LA24-000065, HARTMAN COMPANIES, 980 HERITAGE LANE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and approve a request for a conditional use permit for a retaining wall about 28 feet from the lake. The applicant provided an updated landscape plan that would screen the proposed walls from the lake. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff. The applicant, Seth Eggert, Hartman Companies, was present. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 8:41 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m. Commissioners said the request met the requirements for the conditional use permit. Kirchner moved, Ressler seconded, to approve LA24-000065 as applied with the proposed screening of the walls, 980 Heritage Lane, Conditional Use Permit. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0. 6.4 LA24-000066, DEAN DEAN SUSAN THOMSON, 430 EAST LONG LAKE ROAD, CONDITIONAL USEPERMIT &VARIANCES The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and deny the request for a conditional use permit to keep up to 30 pigeons on the property. The property is next to Wood -Rill SNA, an undeveloped natural area, but is deficient in lot size and set back from lot lines for farm animals. Staff noted pigeons are not specifically called out in the ordinances, but the applicant's proposed use is consistent with farm animals. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Dean and Susan Thomson, 685 Old Long Lake Road, the owners of 430 East Long Lake Road which, is a rental property. They said the pigeons are not named as farm animals and would be intended to be pets and a hobby and not for consumption. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 8:57 p.m. E