10-20-2014 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 15, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 44 of 59 environmental issues that would interfere with the Metropolitan Council’s land use decision. The decision by the Metropolitan Council is to determine whether the amendment is consistent with their regional planning. Grittman noted at this time the Comprehensive Plan Amendment has not been approved by the Metropolitan Council pending receipt of the EAW findings. Grittman stated the Environmental Assessment Worksheet was published in July as part of the Environmental Quality Board’s review process. A number of comments were received, with the majority of the comments relating to potential plat issues or related follow-up enforcement and code application. The applicant has provided supplemental information related to the potential environmental impacts of the project. The final step in the EAW process is for the City Council to determine whether there is a need for an environmental impact statement. The City Council will be voting on that item in the near future. The applicants are now pursuing approval of their preliminary plat and a PRD overlay which allows them to ask for some flexibility in the design and the technical details of the project that might not meet what would normally be expected as part of a single-family plat. The applicants are primarily asking for private streets and other items related to the design of the roads. Grittman noted those items are within the purview of the City to determine whether that flexibility should be allowed. Grittman stated typically those items would be looked at as a variance, but under the PRD process, it would not be considered a variance. Grittman noted a significant amount of information has been submitted in connection with the application, and because of the timing, there were some updates and supplementary submissions. Given the volume of material that needs to be gone through in more detail, the recommendation is to table action on this item until the October meeting. Grittman stated he did highlight some issues that the applicant should provide clarity on, and are as follows: 1. Identify all lot sizes, exempting the areas of the lot perimeter within the existing wetlands. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 44 of 59]