01-20-2026 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - PC agenda January

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Conservation Design Plan Fox Hill PID 0411723410005 2 Introduction and Background Fox Hills is a residential property located at 2420 Fox Street in the City of Orono, Minnesota. The site is 8.42 acres and is characterized by a mix of mixed coniferous and deciduous forest, maintained lawn, wetland features, and a single existing residence. The property sits within an established low-density residential area and includes prominent topographic variation, mature tree cover, and wetlands. The purpose of this conservation design plan is to evaluate the site’s natural features and guide redevelopment in a manner that preserves ecological resources, maintains neighborhood character, and aligns with City of Orono planning objectives. Legal Context The City of Orono completed the Rural Oasis Study to document the relationship between the city’s natural resources and its scenic, low-density residential character. The findings of this study informed the development of local ordinances intended to protect and reinforce these environmental and visual qualities. In accordance with the City of Orono Code of Ordinances, a conservation design plan is required for residential subdivisions of 5 acres or more. The Fox Hills property meets this threshold and is therefore subject to these requirements. Proposed Project The proposed project consists of limited residential redevelopment on the Fox Hills property. The plan includes replacement of an existing house in the southern portion of the site and the addition of one new single-family residence in the northern portion. The north Lot 1 will be 4.99 acres. The south Lot 2 will be 2.95 acres. There will be an outlot for the shared driveway that will be 0.50 acres. The development intentionally avoids wetlands, minimizes tree removal, and preserves the majority of the site’s natural features. Ecological & Aesthetic Character Review Rural Oasis Study The site lies within an area identified by the City of Orono’s Rural Oasis Study as having high scenic and environmental value. Key characteristics include rolling topography, mature tree stands, limited roadway visibility of structures, and an overall sense of seclusion. The proposed design aligns with these goals by maintaining natural buffers, limiting impervious surfaces, and preserving views of open space from adjacent public roadways. Views from Fox Street and Willow Drive Views from Fox Street are currently dominated by mature coniferous and deciduous tree cover, with minimal visibility of existing structures (Picture 4). The uphill topography of the site also assists in this. The proposed development maintains this condition by preserving trees along the street frontage and locating any new disturbance at least 100 feet off the roadway. As a result, the visual character from Fox Street is expected to remain largely unchanged. 25