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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 9, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 24 9. #15-3768/15-3780 MICHAEL AND LISA LARSON, 3569 SHORELINE DRIVE, TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND B-1 ZONING DISTRICT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (continued) Staff has spoken with the planners in Richfield, Minnetonka, Medina, and Plymouth. They have reported similar concerns during their review process, but once the businesses become operational, these businesses have generated no complaints. Staff has found that this type of business is appropriate in large buildings with small parking lots, which is similar to warehouses. Barnhart displayed a layout of the site. The applicants are proposing a maximum of 72 dogs, which is one dog for every 85 square feet. Based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the applicants have redesigned the interior of the building as part of the strategy for noise mitigation. The primary concerns raised so far have focused on noise generated by barking dogs and the concern that this sound could continue unabated for any length of time. These concerns have been received either during the numerous public hearings or via phone call. To date, one letter in opposition has been received. The Planning Commission, given the sound mitigation measures proposed for the building, seemed comfortable with sound indoors but still had some concerns with outdoor sounds. The condition that dogs outdoors be supervised at all times is intended to address that concern, as is the capacity related condition. Barnhart noted he has visited a number of sites in the Twin Cities area and that his observation was that these types of facilities were all located next to roads that were fairly busy. Barnhart stated as it relates to the text amendment, when a proposed use comes forward, the City should consider whether it is consistent with the other uses in the proposed area or other areas of the City. While the City does have outdoor dog kennels, it does not have an indoor kennel. The City does have a requirement that car repairs occur indoor, which seems to be consistent with the goal of the applicant to keep the dogs indoors. Barnhart stated he does not feel it is that inconsistent with that type of use and Staff is supportive of the text amendment. In addition, the applicants were encouraged to reach out to the neighboring properties to provide more information and to hear their concerns firsthand. The applicants were unable to connect with the property owners after repeated attempts, but a letter was sent to the property owners. Staff recommends the following: 1. Approval of the B-1 zoning ordinance as drafted. 2. Approval of the Conditional Use Permit to include the following conditions: a. The use is a listed permitted or conditional use in the B-1 zoning district. b. The operator shall maintain the annual kennel license. Failure to maintain the kennel license shall render the conditional use permit lapsed. c. Dogs shall be supervised while outdoors at all times.