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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> MONDAY,MARCH 19,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. <br /> Thiesse stated it appears the applicants are addressing the septic and that all the other issues are resolved. <br /> Leskinen moved,Lemke seconded,to recommend approval of Application No.LA18-000020,Kuhl <br /> Design,2280 Fox Street,granting of a conditional use permit. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> (Recess taken from 8:04 p.m.to 8:07 p.m.) <br /> 8. LA18-000023 CITY OF ORONO,AMEND ARTICLE XI OF THE CITY CODE <br /> RELATED TO WETLANDS AND WETLAND SETBACKS,8:04 P.M.—8:19 P.M. <br /> Barnhart stated this application deals with a review of wetland setback requirements. Last year the <br /> Council elected to change the wetland delineation requirements but did not elect to change the wetland <br /> setbacks. Last fall the City Council directed Staff to review an ordinance that would consider adjusting <br /> the setbacks. <br /> Barnhart indicated the first time the setbacks were reviewed by the City Council there was some <br /> confusion between setbacks and buffers. Setbacks are established by the City and prevent construction <br /> within a certain area, such as a front yard setback or side setback. The Watershed District establishes a <br /> buffer in certain circumstances, usually at the time of platting or at the time a new house is being <br /> constructed,and at that time they will usually require wetland delineations and buffers. In addition to <br /> certain setbacks,no grading, fertilizers or structures are allowed within the buffer. As it relates to this <br /> proposed change,the amendment only addresses setback. <br /> Based on Council direction, Staff put together a draft ordinance with the goal of making it easier to <br /> understand. Some sections of the current code were removed that Staff did not feel apply. In addition, <br /> Staff attempted to try to simplify what the requirement is in terms of separation of a structure from the <br /> wetland delineation. Staff is proposing that if the Watershed District requires a buffer,that that be the <br /> separation between the improvement and the wetland. Orono currently has that buffer as well as an <br /> additional 10-foot setback,which Staff is proposing be removed under this text amendment. <br /> Barnhart stated when a buffer is not required,which applies primarily to decks and accessory structures <br /> that do not trigger Watershed rules,the City has a current setback of 35 feet. That setback comes from a <br /> Page 18 of 23 <br />