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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, October 16, 2000 <br />(#Z2627 Willmar Thorkelson, Continued) <br />Waldron stated he is unsure what knowledge the son has regarding the building permit process. <br />Lindquist commented he does have a problem with this shed in light of the fact that no building <br />permit was obtained prior to construction. <br />Waldron indicated he is aware that the Planning Commission needs to address issues relating <br />to after-the-fact variances, but in his view this is a unique circumstance, with the setback <br />encroachment being relatively minor since this is not a normal public roadway and has a <br />minimal impact on the area. Waldron recommended the Planning Commission look at the impact <br />that removal of the shed would cause on the environment, which would have a more adverse <br />impact than if the shed were allowed to remain in the location it is presently in. <br />Stoddard stated the Planning Commission does look at a number of after-the-fact variances, <br />noting that in a number of cases the residents of Big Island have not been obtaining the necessary <br />permits prior to construction of structures. Stoddard stated the residents of Big Island need to realize <br />that they also need to comply with the City's codes. <br />Kluth stated in his opinion the failure to obtain building permits by the residents of Big Island <br />do not appear to be mistakes but rather a pattern. Kluth stated the residents are aware of the <br />nature of the roadways and lots on Big Island and that extra caution needs to be taken prior to <br />any work commencing on their properties. <br />Hawn commented she would like to see a smaller structure. Hawn inquired whether the <br />structure could be down-sized somewhat. <br />Waldron stated anything is possible and that reducing the size of the structure would probably <br />cause less damage than relocation of the structure. Waldron noted that hardcover or structural <br />coverage is not an issue in this application. <br />Hawn inquired how much of the shed is located within the setback. <br />Waldron stated it is his understanding approximately six feet of the shed is within the setback. <br />John Burch, Big Island, stated he is familiar with the structure and in his opinion leaving it <br />where it is would cause less detrimental impact to the environment than relocating it. Burch <br />commented he understands the residents need to comply with the rules, but in his view this is <br />a very minor encroachment. <br />Mrs. Thorkelson stated it would be very difficult to relocate the shed due to the heavy <br />equipment that would be needed to move it. Thorkelson stated her son constructed the shed <br />in a very sturdy manner and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to reduce the size of the <br />shed. <br />Gaffron requested a line be drawn on the survey indicating the portion of the shed that is <br />located within the setback area. <br />PAGE 18