04-18-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 10,2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. the city as being important to close those particular gaps since all of the water in Navarre is basically ending up in approximately the same area regardless of the distance from the lake. Rahn commented he is becoming more receptive to the tiers, and that if Staff is in favor of the tiers, he would also be in favor of them. Rahn stated in going back to the beginning of this process, his thought with going to a single percentage number on the smaller lakeshore lots was to figure out what the average hardcover number was and that he had the impression the number would be around 17 percent. Rahn noted by allowing 25 percent hardcover on a 60-foot wide lakeshore and by including the 0-75 area in the hardcover,the property owner would be allowed over 1,100 square feet of additional hardcover. On a 100-foot wide lot,the property owner would be allowed almost 1,900 square feet of additional hardcover. Rahn noted under the draft ordinance,the City is allowing quite a bit more hardcover, which was one of the reasons he was opposed to the tier system on the longer lots. Rahn stated based on the large amount of additional hardcover that would be allowed, he is hesitant to allow the additional 100 square feet of patio or deck. Rahn stated his understanding also was that the City was going to include retaining walls as hardcover. Rahn noted by just including the 0-75 foot zone,the City is allowing a lot more hardcover on each lot, and questioned whether the City needs to do the 100 square feet of deck and/or pervious surface. Rahn suggested the City try the new regulations without the 100 square feet allowance and that it can always be added later if the City Council thinks it is necessary. Printup stated his thought on the items that were considered "low hanging fruit" such as the decks was that they should be allowed and not considered hardcover. Printup indicated he is in favar of the retaining walls and decks not being considered hardcover and that citizens frequently question why they should be considered hardcover when the water goes through or around them. Printup stated he does understand what Council Member Rahn is saying about inclusion of the 0-75 foot zone allowing additional hardcover, but that he is still in support of allowing the 100 square feet of deck. Printup indicated he does not want to see more stringent rules placed on the small lots in Orono. Franchot stated the process has been a good one and that he is a believer in pervious and permeable hardcover. The difficulty with where the City Council ended up is that there are so many different lots but that in his opinion they have reached the best compromise. Franchot stated he also believes it is better to simplify the regulations and not have people figure out which part of their lot is allowed what percentage of hardcover. Franchot stated the current regulations on the 0-75 foot zone help protect the lakeshore and that he is comfortable with the ordinance. Franchot stated there will likely be instances where there are issues but that in his view this ordinance is better for Orono citizens without impinging upon the water quality. Franchot stated he is in support of the ordinance as written. Bremer stated her first and foremost question was whether Staff supports the ordinance because Staff has dealt with the current code more than the City Council has and every Council Member has had their own experiences with the regulations. Bremer noted she dealt with hardcover issues on the Planning Commission and that their overall view of the regulations reflected a powerful philosophy of preserving Lake Minnetonka. Bremer indicated part of the struggle she has today is acknowledging that it is better for staff and hoping that it is better for the citizens but also balancing the City's commitment to Lake Minnetonka. Bremer Page 2 of 26