04-20-2026 Planning Commission - Minutes

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Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Commissioners noted that the plan seems well thought-out and does not impinge on neighboring properties. Brandabur moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve LA26-000005, 356 Westlake St., Average Lakeshore Setback Variance as applied. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 5.2. LA26-000007, Allied Construction o/b/o Barbara Burwell, 1100 Millston Road, Variances The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and approve the request for a variance for an accessory structure to replace several older and oversized accessory buildings on the property with one larger building that would serve as a maintenance building. It was noted that the limitations on the number of oversize buildings do not take into account the size of the parcel, which is more than 12 acres. The proposal would exceed the maximum square footage for accessory buildings. The applicant also owns another 25 acres on either side. Staff said the request is not out of character for the zoning and the size of the property. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Barbara Burwell, l 100 Millston Road, and Rob Wilson of Allied Construction. Vice Chair Prchal opened the public hearing at 6:31 p.m. There were no Public Comments. Vice Chair Prchal closed the public hearing at 6:31 p.m. Commissioners asked about any plans to subdivide the property and pointed out that there are no nearby neighbors, and replacing three dilapidated buildings with one building would be beneficial. The plan also moved accessory buildings away from the lake. The only concern would be precedent. Commissioners suggested setting a requirement that the property not be further subdivided in the future. It was explained that any variance would be for the property as it exists. Commissioners also recommended a possible future zoning code revision to tie the allowed square footage of accessory buildings to property acreage. Weltzin moved, Tift seconded, to approve LA26-000007, 1100 Millston Road, Variances as applied. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 5.3. LA26-000013, Woodcraft Design Build o/b/o Jesse & Rebecca Lucking, 900 Dakota Avenue, Variances The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and approve the request for a variance for a side and rear setback variance for the construction of a garage. The property is non -conforming in lot width, which allows for a side setback exception. The side neighboring property is large and has a wetland, and the other neighbor has submitted a letter of support. An existing shed would be moved to a conforming location. The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Jesse Lucking, 900 Dakota Ave. Page 2 of 3 4