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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 17,2012 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Truwit asked whether the screening issue is more relevant to the home than the deck. <br /> Curtis indicated it is both. <br /> Truwit commented they are proposing to move it further away from the lake. <br /> . Curtis noted the City's code does not consider a deck pervious and that it is Staffs opinion the deck can <br /> be reduced in size or relocated. <br /> Schoenzeit noted it is hardcover within the 0-75 foot zone,and that any time hardcover is proposed in that <br /> zone,more stringent standards are required to be met. <br /> Truwit noted on the lakeside of the home they are not asking for additional hardcover. <br /> Schoenzeit stated it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to protect the lake and that all of the <br /> hardcover is within the 0-75 foot zone. <br /> Truwit stated he is unsure what screening he can do to screen the house and that there already is a fair <br /> amount of screening currently. Truwit indicated he is open to suggestions but that they are already <br /> proposing a fair amount of plantings.Truwit noted the deck would not be visible to the neighbors. <br /> Schoenzeit pointed out that the deck would be visible from the lake and that they want to improve the <br /> situation as much as possible. <br /> Curtis stated she wanted the Commission to discuss the fact that the applicant is proposing sod on that <br /> side of the home and that if the deck is at an elevated grade,the entire deck will be visible from the lake. <br /> Truwit indicated he would be agreeable to placing shrubs in front of the deck. <br /> Schoenzeit recommended screening for the deck be included as a condition of approval for the variance. <br /> Thiesse commented one of the reasons for a deck is to sit on it and observe the lake. <br /> Truwit stated the shrubs would be lower than the deck and the previous variances mandated that they <br /> elevate the house. They will also be putting shrubs in front of the foundation to screen the concrete block. <br /> Leskinen stated she is happy that a rain garden is being considered but that she is unsure whether the <br /> additional turnaround should be allowed. The Planning Commission has already approved quite a bit of <br /> hardcover with the first application and that she does not see the practical difficulty for the turnaround. <br /> Levang commented she has the same concerns and that the Planning Commission is required to protect <br /> the lake. <br /> Landgraver stated he also has a concern as it relates to the practical difficulty with the turnaround and the <br /> additional hardcover. Landgraver commented the applicant is clearly taking extraordinary efforts to <br /> comply but that he is struggling with the additional hardcover for the driveway. <br /> Page <br /> 23 <br />