05-11-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING • MINUTES FOR MAY 11, 1998 PUBLIC COMMENTS Steve Katainen, Bay Furniture, 3850 Shoreline Dr., Navarre, requested the permitted use list be updated to include more types of businesses, as the current list inhibits business use. John Chenoweth is a prospective buyer of Bay Furniture, and the current permitted use list does not allow him to expand the furniture business to include lighting and accessories. Van Zomeren said the initial furniture use was through a determination that it was substantially similar to an art gallery about ten years ago, and adding accessories may be problematic. Kelley asked about the current zoning, and Van Zomeren replied it is a B -5. Moorse explained that B -5 is limited business, and the type of uses should be used to serve the neighborhood. He said it may require looking at the Comprehensive Plan. He responded to Goetten I s question that the accessories use is similar to the furniture use, but once you approve an expansion of a use, it may open the B -5 zone to other uses not currently contemplated. Rezoning it would be another solution. This particular B -5 zone consists of a service station, furniture store and one non - conforming residential house. Gaffron said staff is not comfortable with the way the zoning districts are laid out right now. If there is a business that appears to fit the zoning district, one option is to make a finding of "substantially similar use ", a process that may take two months. It is at the Council's discretion once a potential business is brought before the Council whether or not to approve it. • Jabbour feels there is enough consensus to direct staff to look at changing the zoning in this area. Gaffon asked for clarification as to whether Council wanted to look at rezoning this area or change the list of permitted uses in the B -5 zone. Kelly asked that both options be considered. Jabbour noted that Council was not reacting to an applicant, but needs to consider changes that would be appropriate for current and future uses. Ted Rozeboom, 2967 Casco Point Road. He purchased the adjacent property with a carriage house for use by his mother -in -law and his son with special needs. He would also like to have his architectural business there and has discussed this with the Planning Commission, who recommended presenting it to the Council. His architectural practice specializes in school designs. Therefore, no vendors, salesmen or clients come to the site. He wants to know how the Council feels about allowing this type of use in the carriage house. Jabbour and Kelley agree the home occupation needs to. be in the principal resident, which is not the case here. Rozeboom does not wish to combine the parcels, as he feels they would be devalued, and also, his family would not be able to keep both parcels financially in the future. Jabbour recommended Rozeboom complete a formal application to the Planning Commission on the home occupation and participate in the Commission's work session on home occupations. • 2