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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 21,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Barnhart stated Exhibit B states in Section 5.1B, retaining walls and planters exceeding two feet in height <br /> above existing grade, which are located than five feet from the side property line, shall require a land <br /> alteration permit. Barnhart noted Commissioner Schoenzeit's comments went to what would happen if <br /> someone stacks keystone blocks that are not retaining any dirt and whether that is different from a fence. <br /> Barnhart stated Staff perhaps needs to tweak that language a bit, but the main issue is if a retaining wall is <br /> retaining dirt or causing land disturbance. <br /> Barnhart stated if the wall includes land alteration, it will require a permit. Barnhart stated if someone <br /> just has a row of keystone blocks set on the ground to form a boundary around a planter bed, it may <br /> impact the drainage and would be an issue that will need to be addressed. Barnhart stated the language <br /> may need to be tweaked a little, but it might be as simple as, if the wall exceeds two feet in height, is less <br /> than five feet from property and includes land alteration, it shall require a land alteration permit. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if it does not change the land characteristics or change the water drainage,there would <br /> be no trigger for a permit and that the language should somehow trigger a review. <br /> Barnhart stated he will probably use land alteration and will work with the language a little. <br /> Lemke indicated he prefers Exhibit B. <br /> Landgraver asked what is being accomplished in Section 3, Part B. <br /> Barnhart stated the language basically states unusual riprap shall be referred by the City Engineer to the <br /> City Council for action in accordance with the chapter. If the City Engineer determines it is unusual, it <br /> would be considered under the conditional use permit section and would go to the City Council for action <br /> in accordance with this ordinance. <br /> Barnhart stated there are several sections in the Code where the City Engineer, Zoning Administrator, or <br /> City Administrator may refer things to the City Council. <br /> Landgraver commented the ordinance is shifting more judgments or decision making to Staff. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if riprap would require a Watershed permit if it is on the lakeside of the home and above <br /> the 929.4' elevation. Schoenzeit stated when he placed riprap on his property, the City was not involved <br /> and he had to obtain a permit through the Watershed District. <br /> Barnhart stated if it is above the 929.4' elevation,the City would then be involved. <br /> Landgraver indicated he agrees with Exhibit B more than A. <br /> Barnhart stated Staff is looking for direction on which one to send to the City Council. <br /> Leskinen moved,Olson seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 17-3894,City of <br /> Orono,Text Amendment: Retaining Walls and Grading,Exhibit B,incorporating Commissioner <br /> Schoenzeit's comment regarding land alteration language in the appropriate sections. VOTE: <br /> Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> 10. #17-3896 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT: STRUCTURAL COVERAGE, <br /> 9:07 P.M.—9:44 P.M. <br /> Page 24 of 32 <br />