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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 21,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3162 CITY OF ORONO, GATE HEIGHTS,CONTINUED) <br /> Gundlach stated in those situations where no monuments are proposed and a gate is to be installed within <br /> an existing fence,they would need to comply with the existing fence regulations. <br /> Gundlach pointed out an opacity level was also discussed, with the Council originally proposing 50 <br /> percent. Gundlach stated the conclusion at the work session was an opacity level of no greater than 25 <br /> percent. <br /> Rahn stated the eight-foot height was discussed because the majority of the gates in the City can be seen <br /> through. Rahn inquired whether the height should be discussed if you cannot see through the gate or <br /> whether that type of gate would fall under the fence standards. <br /> Gundlach stated fence standards limit allowed height to six feet if you live on a major road and you have <br /> a lakeshore lot. Gundlach stated if you have entrance monuments,you would then be subject to the <br /> opacity standard of the entrance monument section of the code. <br /> Rahn questioned whether the height is defined on a gate that is more solid but is not a lakeshore lot. <br /> Gundlach stated in her opinion the language in the amendment should cover that situation. Gundlach <br /> stated if there is not a fence, the property owner would need to have something to anchor the gate to, <br /> which would subject the gate to the monument standards. Gundlach pointed out the City's fence code <br /> does specify an opacity level. <br /> Rahn inquired if the 25 percent opacity level is not met, whether that is defined somewhere in the City's <br /> codes. <br /> Gaffron stated perhaps language could be added that if the property owner does not want to meet the <br /> opacity limit,they are limited to a certain height. <br /> Rahn stated that language would help clarify it. <br /> Bremer concurred with Rahn. <br /> Gundlach inquired whether language under Item 5 should be added stating that if you meet principal <br /> structure setbacks, a complete privacy gate would be allowed. <br /> Rahn stated language could also be added stating that if the gate is greater than 25 percent opacity,the <br /> gate would than fall under the City's fence regulations. <br /> Berg inquired whether there are a lot of privacy gates in the City. <br /> Gundlach stated the City does have a photograph of almost all the entrance gates and monuments in the <br /> City and that there is only one that would not meet the 25 percent opacity level. Gundlach stated under <br /> PAGE 15 <br />