Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 19,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis stated she cannot answer that at this time but to her knowledge that is not the intent. <br /> Landgraver stated it appears there is a practical difficult associated with lack of storage and that this is <br /> using the property in a reasonable manner. Landgraver noted there are other homes in the area that have <br /> basements but that he is not sure whether the City considers the lack of a safe haven to be a practical <br /> difficulty. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the City has had people say that not having an attached garage in Minnesota is a <br /> problem and the City has been sympathetic to that. Schoenzeit stated on the other hand he does not <br /> remember hearing that the lack of a safe haven is a practical difficulty. <br /> McGrann stated in his view this would not set a precedent and that he would be in favor of moving <br /> forward, not because of the fact that the applicants need the storm shelter but because the City has <br /> previously approved the square footage and there is no comment by the neighbors. <br /> Schoenzeit stated since the applicant is commenting on the need for a storm shelter, he would like to <br /> ensure that the proposed structure meets whatever requirements are necessary in order to be storm shelter <br /> compliant. Schoenzeit suggested a letter from an engineer be submitted showing that the structure is <br /> capable of being a storm shelter. <br /> Lemke asked if that would set a precedent. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if the structure is not heavy-duty enough,that would be a problem since the applicant is <br /> saying he needs this structure in part to act as a storm shelter. <br /> McGrann stated he is worried about setting a precedent, which would then require the applicant to do it. <br /> Lemke asked if the City should look into that. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if City Code or state code requires a storm shelter. <br /> Gaffron stated he is not aware of that. <br /> Barnhart stated there might be some area of refuge in the building code, but that he is not sure if that <br /> applies to single-family homes. <br /> Gaffron stated that issue has not been brought up in previous applications. <br /> Landgraver stated the Planning Commission can approve it as is and the City Council can look at <br /> requiring an engineer certification that the structure is storm proof. <br /> Schoenzeit stated he does not want to start the precedent of requiring one, but if the applicant is saying he <br /> is building one,the City should require him to build it. <br /> Wipson indicated the structure will have a concrete foundation around it and a concrete floor on top with <br /> rebar. <br /> Page 14 of 29 <br />