HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2026 Planning Commission - MinutesMinutes
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.
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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
Vice Chair Prchal called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL
Orono Planning Commission members present: Vice Chair Kelly Prchal, Commissioners Thomas
Brandabur, Andrew Jarnot, Sam Tift, Shane Weltzin, and Alternate Commissioner Stacey Royal. Chair
Jon Ressler and Commissioner Clu•is Bollis were absent.
Staff present: Community Development Director Laura Oakden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City
Planner Matthew Karney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Brandabur moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve the Agenda with the addition of the Oath of Office
for a new Alternate Commissioner. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
OATH OF OFFICE
Community Development Director Oakden administered the Oath of Office to new Alternate Planning
Commissioner Stacey Royal.
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 16
2026
Brandabur or Weltzen moved, Tift seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning
Commission meeting of March 16, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1. LA26-000005, Revision LLC o/b/o Brent Teele, 356 Westlake Street, Average Lakeshore
Setback Variance
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the request to expand a roofed porch on the home and enclose an existing porch as living space.
Staff found the lot creates practical difficulties and limits expansion capabilities.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Brent Teele,
356 Westlake Street, and Sven Gustafsom, representative from Revision LLC.
Vice Chair Prchal opened the public hearing at 6:09 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Vice Chair Prchal closed the public hearing at 6:09 p.m.
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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
Vice Chair Prchal opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Vice Chair Prchal closed the public hearing at 6:44 p.m.
Commissioners said the request seemed reasonable based on the site conditions and avoided removing
mature trees and impacting sewer lines. They also cited the support of the neighboring property.
Jarnot moved, Weltzin seconded, to approve LA26-000013, 900 Dakota Avenue, Variances as
applied. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.
6. OTHER ITEMS
Community Development Director Oakden discussed plans for scheduling a work session for legal
review, a proposed text amendment for park fees, and the beginning of the Comprehensive Plan Process.
She updated the Commissioners on City Council action on the proposed North Arm boat landing
improvement project.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Jarnot moved, Royal seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 6:51 p.m. to May
18, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Jon Ressler, Chair
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