HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-2026 Planning Commission - MinutesMinutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, NW 55356
Chair Ressler called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL
Orono Planning Commission members present: Chair Jon Ressler, Commissioners Thomas Brandabur,
Andrew Jarnot, Kelly Prchal, Sam Tift, Stacey Royal, and Shane Weltzin.
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, Prchal seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
4. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 20 2026
Tift moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of
April 20, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1. LA26-000017, Travis Van Liere Studio, 1520 Bohns Point Road, Variance
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
deny an after -the -fact variance to sideyard setback for a patio in a similar location as a preexisting patio.
The preexisting patio also extended into the side yard setback, but not quite as far. The patio as built
differs from a plan that had earlier received a City permit. Staff agrees that the shape of the house and lot
presents a practical difficulty; there is adequate screening, and the affected neighbor supports the
application. A retaining wall at the edge of the patio is not closer than allowed. However, the staff
recommends denial as the patio extension is not necessary for the enjoyment of the property.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Travis Van
Liere, the landscape architect, representing the property owners, Joe and Stacy McConnell. He explained
that some existing conditions affected the design process and caused the change in the submitted plan,
which would have been closer to the lake. They were under the impression that since they were bringing
the plan back to the original patio site and also removing other existing items on the site that were not in
compliance, they did not need a variance. The patio was made slightly wider to accormnodate a table and
chairs, and for safety. He stated there had been a misunderstanding concerning City requirements.
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:12 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:12 p.m.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Planning Commissioners discussed the variance request and pointed out that making the patio conforming
would not be a significant improvement and that the patio as built is less impactful to the neighbors than
the patio design as shown when the permit was requested. The build resulted in a smaller retaining wall, a
greater distance from the lake, and a reduction of other non -conforming uses. The screening and support
of the neighbor were also noted. Commissioners saw the situation as an honest mistake and a plan that
would likely have been approved if it had been submitted for a variance. On the other hand, the change in
design and location of the patio from what was permitted is significant, and the Commission did not want
to see a precedent set for after -the -fact variances.
Prchal moved, Royal seconded, to approve LA26-000017, 1520 Bohns Point Road, Variance.
VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 1 (Weltzin).
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Average Lakeshore Setback Discussion
Community Development Director Oakden explained the City Council had directed staff to look at the
City's Average Lakeshore Setback code, as it has the most variance requests. The City Council has had
several work sessions on the topic and asked to have it brought to the Planning Commission. City Council
members identified two main goals in the code — protecting the lake views of neighbors and preventing
"lake creep" for buildings, but recognized some challenges. She outlined changes in the code since its
original adoption in 1992 and how it is affected by the Ordinary High Water Level and hardcover. She
explained that the setback changes every time an adjacent property redevelops or changes.
Commissioners asked questions of staff and discussed possible changes to the code. Measurement from
the lakeshore was suggested as a possible alternative, along with discarding lots that are "outliers" in
having structures very far back from the shore or being vacant. Eliminating the code and using state and
DNR regulations was also discussed. Commissioners suggested looking at past variances approved to see
if the suggestions would make a difference. Commissioners also asked for more information on what
other lake cities do.
7. OTHER ITEMS
Community Development Director Oakden discussed possible work session dates and updated the
commission on the upcoming Comprehensive Plan process, including a community survey and open
house on June 10.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Brandabur moved, Prchal seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 7:52 p.m. to
June 15, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
on essler, Chair
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