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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994 explained part of the agreement with the DNR regarding no car /trailer parking within a mile of any public access. Gaffron proceeded with the code item of landscaping areas within the envelope. There is an inconsistency with the code for yard requirements. Nolan asked if regulations were relaxed to fit the existing areas, would problems arise in connection with development of new marinas? Gaffron stated there is one area available between Lakeside and Gayle's that is zoned B -2 which has four houses on it. The area between North Shore Drive and Lakeside Marina which the DNR bought is still zoned LR -1C -1, 1/2 acre single family residential. Nolan said the reality of a new marina is almost nil and more focus needs to be done on the existing marinas. Gaffron noted within the last ten years, major changes have been made to Minnetonka Boat Works, Windward and Sailors World. They have been granted a number of variances and while they do not completely meet all code standards, progress has been made. The lakeshore landscaping section has been in place since 1975. Gaffron noted that the lakeshore landscape area shall be equal to 10% of the depth of the lot. For instance, if there is 200' from the street to the lake, there must be a 20' strip along the lake that is landscaped. However, the lakeshore yard requirement of 75' seems to be in conflict with the 10% standard, and the requirement that all required yard areas be landscaped and planted with trees and shrubs • would seem to override any other landscaping requirements. Gaffron noted the code requires that the detailed landscape plan for each landscaping area shall provide natural screening 50% opaque during summer months. A privacy fence may be required in addition to the natural landscaping. The use of any fencing shall not satisfy the requirements of providing natural landscaping. It has to be nursery stock. Gaffron explained that in 1975 three year plans were developed for landscape plantings. Some but not all of the marinas were successful with the program. He said a proposed addition to this section is all landscape areas shall be sufficiently delineated by acceptable physical barrier so as to eliminate the encroachment of vehicle parking or boat storage. A problem exists if you don't have a raised landscape area or curb that defines it, because cars and boats creep into the space and soon it is gone. • Another proposed addition to this section defines what landscaping means. All groundcover shall be natural living materials such as grass or other planted groundcover. Decorative rockbeds shall constitute no more than 10% of the required landscape areas. Smith questioned why some plantings do not take - is it because of neglect or lack of maintenance or other unique problems such as keeping lands healthy and well? Gaffron replied that all those have an impact. Salt from the winter roadsides can be a problem for the trees. Parking boats into bushes will cause damage. Landscaping is something that you have to work at. Peterson asked if there were any comments on landscaping. Rich Anderson asked if trees are more desirable rather than fencing. Gaffron replied that visually a fence will be sufficient for mere screening but is probably not desirable to look at. Mabusth added that for protection purposes you might want 3