05-23-2016 Council Work Session Packet

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MEMORANDUM TO: ORONO CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEREMY BARNHART, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SUBJECT: PLANNING UPDATE DATE: MAY 23, 206 A brief update on a number of planning related items: Council packet size. There has been some discussion on the necessary contents of the Council packet for planning related items. Generally, a packet will include a staff report, any changes of plans/ ordinances since the Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission record, and the Planning Commission minutes. This is done to establish the formal record of an application. To address a concern with file size and loading time, exhibits will be saved as individual documents, so the user need only to open the specific exhibit desired, rather than the full 60 page record. The Planning Commission packet could also be distributed electronically to the Council when the Planning Commission receives it, and the Planning Commission packet could be incorporated by reference in the Councils staff report. Additionally, there has been some discussion about including floor plans in the official record. Included, the floor plans are public information and reviewable by anybody. In order to preserve privacy, we could not require floor plans, allowing the applicant the choice to include them when they feel it would help their argument. Staff would welcome any feedback on any changes desired by the Council. Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings "Drop Houses" Legislation The State recently adopted a law allowing "Drop Houses". Drop houses, sometimes described as elaborate fish houses, are temporary dwelling structures, meeting several specific criteria, including a size limitation of no more than 300 square feet, intended for those requiring care, to be placed on the property of a care giver, typically family members. These structures may be placed on the property for up to one year. The state law allows these structures, a city cannot prohibit them if a city allows accessory structures and recreational vehicle parking. A city must either approve or deny these structures within 15 days. No public hearing is required. Staffs concern is that the temporary placement of these structures would impact neighboring properties. A dwelling unit intended for the recuperation of an individual, placed in the back yard where children play and generate noise will introduce complaints. The expense involved in placing these structures, extending water, electricity (waste is typically held in a tank internal to the structure) will encourage longer term use of the structures, creating an enforcement challenge in removing the unit. The text of the statute is attached. A city may opt out of the legislation by ordinance. Staff seeks direction as to whether such an ordinance should be drafted.