01/21/1992 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING M HELD JANUARY 21, 1992 ZONING FILE #1551 — CONT. Chair Kelley asked the Commission to give their opinions on entrance monuments. Rowlette felt they should be allowed at the entrance to a subdivision, but not at entrances to individual properties. Cohen agreed with Rowlette and felt the 8' allowed height is too high. Bellows felt that often times entrance monuments are appropriate. She felt this is a subjective call and historically speaking architecturally, entrance monuments have been an important part of residential architecture. She stated that the height limitation is appropriate and any proposal exceeding that limitation should be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Schroeder agreed and felt that the Commission should not impose their dislikes of such monuments. Moos agreed with Bellows. Bellows stated that these monuments should not be signs. She noted there is a difference between entrance monuments and signs. Monuments are more like gate posts with perhaps fencing attached. Chair Kelley asked who is responsible for maintenance of such monuments. Mabusth explained monuments are typically maintained through the homeowners' association. Councilmember Jabbour asked how the Commission felt since fence height in a front yard was restricted to 3 1/2' , shouldn't entrance monuments be restricted to the same height limitation. Rowlette felt monuments were appropriate for large estates, but not smaller properties within a subdivision. Bellows stated that she would like to see a distinction between monuments and signs. Rowlette suggested language be added to the ordinance, similar to that of Plymouth and Wayzata, stating responsibility for maintenance of monuments and signs should be that of the association, and the City in noway will be responsibility for maintenance or cost of removal of monument in the case of disrepair. Is 9