Agenda Packet Pc - Packet 9/15/2025

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Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting Monday, August 18, 2025, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and approve a variance for an average lakeshore setback for an addition to an existing building. The addition would encroach a small amount into the average lakeshore setback but would stay within the 75-foot setback. The adjacent property owner and the neighborhood architectural committee support the request. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Jerry Gray,880 Partenwood Rd. He explained they would like to add a main floor bedroom to continue to live there and have tried hard to keep the requested exceptions minimal. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Commissioners pointed out that the house is on a peninsula and the proposed addition won't impact a neighbor. Moving the utilities will be an improvement, and the neighbors have sent a letter of support. It seemed to be a reasonable way to help the homeowners stay in their homes. Teft moved, Ressler seconded, to approve LA25-000035, 880 Partenwood Rd, Variance as applied. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 5.5 LA25-000036, Brian Roath, 1200 Wildhurst Trail, After -the -Fact Variances and Conditional Use Permit The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and consider the request for an after -the -fact setback variance for a patio and a Conditional Use Permit for a retaining wall. Staff recommends denial of the setback variance and approval of the Conditional Use Permit for the retaining walls with conditions for screening and wall modification to meet the setbacks. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Brian Roath, 1200 Wildhurst Trail, who explained they made improvements in 2021 but did not realize permits were needed. The patio improves their enjoyment of the lake property. When the home was built in the 1970s, the building plan was altered in such a way that the patio, deck, and stairs went into the side yard setback. They are willing to move the deck steps and remove the parts of the patio that encroach, but would like to retain a small amount to make a good transition. He had letters from engineers, arborists, and landscapers. He said the retaining wall was planned as a shared wall between neighbors. RECESS & RECONVENE Chair Bollis recessed the meeting at 7:29 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 7:34 p.m. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Sandy Rasmussen, 1186 Wildhurst Trail, the neighboring property since 1991, gave a history of improvements to the lot, including changes to property lines. She said the original owners added an asphalt walkway, fire pit, seeding, screen porch, and deck. The next owners added riprap to the shoreline, Page 3 of 5 Y