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MINUTES OF THE _ <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 16,2011 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Levang asked what Staffs reasoning is for a 10-foot setback. <br /> Curtis stated that relates to a garden located on a residential property and that she recommended a 10-foot <br /> setback because that is typically the City's minimum setback requirement for any type of structure,and <br /> absent a principal use,it was Staff's feeling there should be a setback. <br /> Thiesse pointed out that definition number three states that a garden is a planned space,usually outdoors, <br /> set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. Definition <br /> number two is a plot of ground,usually near a house,where flowers, shrubs,vegetables,fruits or herbs <br /> are cultivated. Thiesse stated in his opinion that would cover the row of arborvitae that runs along <br /> someone's property lines since they are cultivated shrubs. Thiesse noted those are typically planted <br /> within 10 feet of the property line and help define the edge of someone's property. Thiesse stated in his <br /> opinion to require them to be 10 feet away from a property line seems a little strong and that he is not sure <br /> how to get around the fact that a land owner should be allowed to plant flowers at the edge of tl�eir <br /> property. � <br /> Schoenzeit noted that fences are also erected within ten feet of the property line typically. ' <br /> Gaffron noted they are now discussing a community or donation garden. <br /> Curtis stated a setback requirement was put in Staff's report basically as a starting point and that the <br /> Planning Commission may determine a setback for a private garden is not necessary <br /> Schoenzeit commented there are probably a number of private gardens that would not comply with a <br /> 10-foot setback. <br /> Gaffron stated the Planning Commission has to separate the concept of a private residence garden versus <br /> a vacant lot in a developed neighborhood that is then used as a community garden and the impacts it <br /> would have on the surrounding homes. <br /> Schoenzeit stated in his view in that type of situation with a community/donation garden a setback would <br /> be useful. � <br /> Thiesse stated he would agree that a 10-foot setback would be useful. <br /> Curtis concurred that a 10-foot setback would be reasonable. Curtis noted that Staff was recommending a <br /> principal structure setback in that type of situation with a community/donation garden. <br /> Schoenzeit stated a 30 to 50 foot setback would be steep and that in his view 10 feet is a good number. <br /> Curtis noted the activity associated with the gardening is also a reason for the setback. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if there should be a minimize size property that the community/donation garden should <br /> be located on. Schoenzeit commented that a minimum of 10 acres in his opinion seems rather large. <br /> Thiesse stated if they meet the 10-foot setback,it would give you a reasonable sized garden. <br /> ' Curtis asked if the Planning Corrnnission would place a specific size limitation on the garden. <br /> Page <br /> 10 <br />