04-23-2012 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 9, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 7 PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - LIZZ LEVANG, REPRESENTATIVE Levang noted some Planning Commissioners attended the joint work session with the City Council relating to the draft hardcover regulations. Levang stated the Planning Commission has six applications that will be reviewed next week. One relates to a new subdivision and two applications deal with bluffs. Levang stated due to the bluff issues, Planner Gaffron has provided the Planning Commission with some information on bluff technicalities that the Planning Commission should be aware of for bluff discussions . In addition, the Planning Commission will be looking at the draft hardcover regulations and the dock rental issue. PUBLIC COMMENTS Anna Williams, Orono resident, expressed some concerns with the change in the proposal to go from three houses to seven houses on the Maple Place development. Williams indicated the neighbors in that area are not happy with the communication regarding the project and the clearing of trees on those lots. Williams stated apparently in February the seven homes were proposed but noted that the sign was just posted last week. Williams stated in the neighbors' view the increase in density is pretty severe and that going from 100-foot lots down to 50-foot lots does not seem to fit within the rest of the neighborhood. At the last meeting the developer proposed that the homes would be 1,500 square feet and would be selling for 300 to 400,000, which seems inflated. Gaffron stated the Minnesota Legislature, in conjunction with the MN Department of Natural Resources, has ruled within the last three years that cities should allow building permits for individual properties that have been held in joint ownership but not legally combined. In this situation there are seven lots, one with an existing house, and they are all substandard lots. Gaffron noted this is a half acre district. Gaffron indicated when the applicant first approached the City, they were proposing three lots. Staff attempted to convince the applicant that the lots do not meet the City’s standards but that the applicant is within their rights under Minnesota Statutes to develop the lots. Following that review, the applicant then had some financial concerns and came back to the City and withdrew their original application for three lots. A new plan proposing seven lots has been submitted. That plan meets the standards of the DNR and the Minnesota Statutes. Gaffron noted the applicant will be limited to 25 percent hardcover per lot and a 1,500 square footprint for a residence. The developers have agreed that they would make an application for a conditional use permit for the grading, which will be before the City Council on April 23rd for action. The City Engineers are in the process of reviewing the revised grading plan. Gaffron noted the City ultimately does not have the authority to deny the building permits. Gaffron indicated from a Staff perspective, they have done all they can to encourage the applicant to construct fewer homes in this area, but the project with the seven lots will be going forward. The individual homes on each 50-foot lot will need to meet a 10-foot setback. Gaffron indicated he expects the applicant will be applying for his first building permit next week sometime. City Attorney Poehler noted the City’s hands are basically tied in this situation and that the City has no control over the price range being asked for the individual lots. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 04/23/2012 Approval of Council Minutes 04/09/2012 [Page 3 of 7]