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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 20, 2010 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Owen indicated it is. <br /> Greg Keller, Good Shepherd, 528 Aspen Circle,Delano,requested the Planning Commission take <br /> a broader view of the ordinance since it will apply to other churches in the City. Keller displayed <br /> pictures of St.Martin's Church in Minnetonka Beach and their inurnment garden,Bethel <br /> Methodist Church in Mound, and Good Shepherd. <br /> Keller stated under Orono's Zoning Code, it is not unreasonable or uncommon to have setbacks <br /> as low as five feet. The City has the ability to always require a greater setback on any given <br /> property. The City's Code currently allows entrance monuments to be as close as five feet to <br /> property boundaries as well as boats,boat trailers,signs,name plate signs and lights,terraced <br /> steps,uncovered porches, and stoops,which can extend within two feet of a lot line. In addition, <br /> balconies,recreational equipment,and breezeways can be as close as five feet to a property line. <br /> Keller noted with an inurnment garden,everything will be at ground level and that a distinction <br /> should be made between structures that are above ground and things at ground level. <br /> Keller encouraged the Planning Commission to consider allowing for some flexibility in the <br /> setback requirements and to consider a 5-foot setback. <br /> Chair Kang closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. <br /> Feuss noted at the last meeting she had suggested a flexible setback. Feuss indicated she has <br /> reviewed the City Council minutes on this application and understand their reasoning for a <br /> definite setback. Feuss stated a solution might be to allow for a 10-foot setback from adjacent <br /> residential property. The Good Shepherd property adjoins a park and a hockey rink. Many of the <br /> zoning requirements that had smaller setbacks were from streets. The concern of the City <br /> Council seemed to be with adjacent residential properties. Feuss stated a requirement for <br /> screening is important. <br /> Schoenzeit asked how Commissioner Feuss feels about the 50-foot setback from the principal <br /> structure. <br /> Kang asked if Commissioner Feuss meant 10 feet from the property line or from the structure. <br /> Feuss stated in her view the 50-foot setback from a structure is reasonable and that a 10-foot <br /> setback from a residential property would address the City Council's concerns. <br /> Schoenzeit stated in his view the 50-foot setback is a must. <br /> Leskinen commented she would make a distinction between an above-ground columbarium and a <br /> garden and that a lesser setback could apply to gardens. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the Planning Commission has an obligation to look out for other property <br /> owners and that he would be willing to go with a 50-foot setback from the principal residential <br /> structure, a 10-foot setback from residential properties,and a 5-foot setback for nonresidential <br /> properties for at-grade gardens. <br /> Page <br /> 12 <br />