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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 21,2003 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS <br /> (#12) REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVES <br /> ATTENDING COUNCIL MEETINGS OF MARCH 24 AND APRIL 14,2003 <br /> Fritzler reported that all of the Planning Commission items were on the Council consent <br /> agenda for the evening of March 24, 2003. <br /> Hawn reported that the April 14, 2003 meeting consisted of the Bichanich application <br /> which was deemed a conforming lot. <br /> Gaffron indicated that Bottenberg was directed by the City Council to compile a survey of <br /> lots which exist in the 1 acre and 2 acre zoning district. He questioned how wide a home <br /> should be allowed to get when it's being built on a 100' lot in certain zoning districts. With <br /> regard to Bichanich, the City Attorney cautioned the Council that they not create a new <br /> code allowing side yard setback variances where no hardship exists on a conforming lot. <br /> Bottenberg reminded the Commission that when an applicant maximizes the size of their <br /> house to meet the 1,500 structural coverage allowance, they oftentimes realize they have <br /> not left any room for a driveway in their calculations. She maintained that the house needs <br /> to be reduced to allow for the driveway, not the other way around, maximizing and then <br /> asking for a driveway variance. <br /> Fritzler felt that, while 50' lots offer built in hardships due to size, consideration should be <br /> given to the variance process for 100'+lots in a '/2 acre or 2 acre zoning district. <br /> Gaffron agreed that, from a staff perspective, it is much more difficult to hold people to a <br /> standard when there is no set standard or a division between rebuild versus remodel. <br /> Rahn suggested the Commission consider eliminating the 1,500 s.f. structural coverage <br /> figure in lieu of a straight percentage. <br /> (#13) OTHER ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION <br /> Gaffron reminded the Commission that a work session was scheduled for May 7, 2003 at <br /> 5:30 P.M. He encouraged the Commissioners to consider making a motion for debate in <br /> order to focus the Commission efforts in a timely manner. <br /> Chair Smith indicated that she would be attending the Growing Smart in Minnesota <br /> seminar on June 10 and asked others to consider joining her. <br /> PAGE 39 of 40 <br />