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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2000 <br /> • (#2561 Frank and Barbara Peterson, Continued) <br /> Nygard commented the City's policies are designed to help lessen the impact to the lake and <br /> lakeshore as much as possible. <br /> Peterson noted a garage located in her neighborhood did obtain a variance to structural coverage. <br /> Peterson commented she would be willing to remove the existing shed in order to construct a <br /> nice garage. <br /> Bottenberg stated most of the sheds located in this area have been constructed without the <br /> necessary approvals and permits. <br /> Peterson stated they have a one-story house and would like to construct a garage to store their <br /> vehicles as well as other personal property. <br /> Smith stated it can be a hardship to be without a garage in Minnesota. Smith inquired what the <br /> structural coverage would be if the garage was reduced to 24' by 28'. <br /> Bottenberg stated it would be 15.6 percent. <br /> Hawn commented that the Planning Commission generally does not deviate from the 15 percent. <br /> Hawn stated she would like to see the Applicant comply with the 15 percent, noting she does not <br /> have a problem with the rest of the application. <br /> Kluth inquired whether the Comprehensive Plan addresses garages at all. <br /> Gaffron stated the City's Comprehensive Plan contains a statement which says the City will not <br /> adopt an ordinance requiring a minimum house size nor will it specify that the house should have a <br /> garage. The present City Council looks at the applications as if the Applicant will eventually build <br /> a garage if it is not specified in the plan and requires that the Applicant allot some of their <br /> structural coverage to a future garage to insure that they will comply with the 15 percent structural <br /> coverage limit. <br /> Hawn inquired what the structural coverage would be with a 24' by 24' garage. <br /> Bottenberg stated with a 24' by 24' garage, the Applicant would be under the allowable limit. <br /> Bottenberg noted the garage cannot exceed the height of the principal structure. <br /> Smith inquired whether the Planning Commission would be willing to allow structural coverage at <br /> 15.6 percent. <br /> Kluth commented the Planning Commission needs to have a consistent standard to adhere to. <br /> Hawn indicated she does not have a problem with approving the other variances, but would like to <br /> see the Applicant comply with the 15 percent structural coverage limit. <br /> Peterson commented a 24' by 24'garage is smaller than most of the sheds that exist in the area. <br /> Hawn stated a 22' by 22' garage is the standard size garage, which can accommodate two cars. <br /> Nygard commented the Planning Commission may be setting a precedent if they approve anything <br /> in excess of the 15 percent. <br /> • Peterson stated she would also like to construct the garage to help improve the appearance of the <br /> Page 15 <br />