10-20-2008 Planning Commission Packet

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r �Y' To: Chair Kempf and Planning Commission Members From: Evelyn Turner, City Planner Date: Qctober 20,2008 ' � Subject: #08-3384 Zoning Code Amendment—Sections 78-1435 and 78-1440(new) Exterior Materials and Design of Accessory Buildings -Public Hearing Application 5ummary: This code change would require the design and exterior materials of certain accessory sfiructures be consistent with those of the principal siructure. • Staf Recommendation: Planning De artment Staffrecommends approval. , List of Exhibits � � . A. Proposed Ordinance B. Orono Ciiy Code Chapter 78 Article X Division 3 Accessory Buildings Background The construction �f a garage with metal siding and roofing in a neighborhood of half-acre or less lots highlighted the fact that Orono zoning regulations do not require the exterior materials of accessory buildings ma.tch those of the house. This is a common requirement in other comm.unities. T12e proposed ordinance change was discussed by the Commission at work sessions on June 4 and September 3, 2008. At the June session the Corrunission viewed photographs of accessory siructures. It appears that on most properties accessory build'uigs, especially detached garages,match the house. The Commission also noted that on lakeshore Iots a detached garage may be Iocated very close to the street.In an area of narrow lots this creates a sireetscape of garages,some rather plai.n.. At the September session the Commission reviewed langua.ge from other�communifies. They aiso discussed regulating wall height or reducing the maxi3num height or stories of accessory structures. The consensus was that barn or carriage house type structures are attractive and contribute to the desire image of the City. $ut the Commission thought it appropriate to have a higher design standard for detached garages located within the required street yard of lakeshore lots. Based on these discussions Staff dra$ed the attached ordinance. It would apply only to lots less than � two acres,as does the struciural coverage limitation. The largest accessory struciure allowed on these lots is 1,000 square feet. Detached garages on lakeshore lots that are wifihin the required street setback would be requixed to match the house and have windows and/or decorative features in the wall facing fihe sixeet. Small buildings such as resin buildings,metal sheds and playhouses would also be exempt from these requirements.