02-23-2000 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2000 • (#2561 Frank and Barbara Peterson, Continued) property, which would allow her to eliminate the need for a small storage shed. Peterson stated the City should look at whether they are creating another problem by limiting structural coverage to the 15 percent. Peterson commented in her view property owners are forced to store cars and other personal property outside or in small, unsightly storage sheds, which is very detracting to the appearance of the neighborhood and appears to be a growing problem. Smith inquired whether the Planning Commission has ever approved structural coverage in excess of 15 percent on any other applications. Hawn stated the City does allow Applicants to replace what is existing. Hawn noted this garage would be considered new construction. Kluth stated he would not be opposed to considering Minnesota winters a hardship. Gaffron stated the City prior to 1983 granted variances to hardcover with minimal discussion if the property exceeded the allowable limit. The City Council, starting in 1984, realized that excessive hardcover was getting out of hand and started to enforce the limits. Over the years the City has gotten stricter on hardcover and structural coverage. Hawn inquired whether the Planning Commission would be in favor of building an accessory building which exceeds the height of the principal structure. Peterson stated this garage would be used to store vehicles, snow blower and lawn mower. Hawn inquired whether there were any public comments regarding this application. There were no public comments. Kluth inquired whether the Applicant would be willing to compromise on the size of the garage. Peterson stated she would like to build the garage as proposed. Kluth moved to recommend denial of Application #2561, Frank and Barbara Peterson, 1261 Arbor Street, unless the proposed garage is reduced in size to comply with the 15 percent structural coverage limit. NO SECOND. Hawn inquired whether the Applicant would be willing to construct a garage which will comply with the 15 percent structural coverage limit. Peterson stated her husband probably will not be agreeable to limiting it to the 15 percent and will erect a shed to accommodate their other personal items. Peterson stated rather than deny the application, she would be agreeable to limiting the structural coverage to 15 percent. Kluth moved, Nygard seconded,to recommend approval of Application #2561, Frank and Barbara Peterson, to permit the construction of a garage not to exceed the allowed 15 percent total structural coverage on the lot, and to grant variances to side yard setback, lot coverage and location of the garage doors. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Page 16