The proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding barnaminiums, which are residential structures combining living spaces with attached shops or storage areas, emerged as a key topic of discussion. Over several months, the draft ordinance has been refined to address size limitations, architectural standards, and potential home occupation regulations. The commission considered updates that would permit barnaminiums in designated agricultural and rural residential districts, while excluding them from areas like the Elivage development. Concerns centered on structural integrity, aesthetic compatibility, and the necessary adjustments to building code standards, particularly regarding foundation requirements and preventing barnaminiums from appearing as mere metal buildings.

The debate over barnaminiums extended to their impact on neighborhood aesthetics, with some opinions suggesting that the minimum lot size for these structures should be increased beyond one acre to prevent them from visually dominating smaller parcels. A preference was expressed for a minimum of five acres to accommodate larger structures and uses like storing large vehicles. Additionally, discussions included the possibility of allowing higher sidewall heights, particularly for parcels of at least five acres, to accommodate trends in vehicle size. The commission leaned towards recommending changes that align sidewall height regulations with lot size to maintain aesthetic consistency within neighborhoods.

The Planning Commission also addressed a variance request for a development monument sign proposed by Alec Jensen of EB Commercial LLC at Outlaw A of Elivage EB second edition. The request sought to place the sign within 20 feet of the public right-of-way, deviating from the city code requirement of a minimum 20-foot setback. The commission evaluated the practical difficulties of the variance, including the impact on traffic visibility and the necessity of the sign for marketing future commercial development. The proposed sign’s location was outside the 30-foot sight triangle used to assess traffic visibility, and no concerns were identified in this regard. The city engineer confirmed the sign would avoid a utility easement on the property.

During the public hearing, a development team representative emphasized the sign’s importance for attracting potential tenants and the challenges of alternative placements due to right-of-way and wetland proximity. The commission deliberated on whether the applicant met the standards of practical difficulties, with public testimony and other evidence considered in their decision-making process.

Another variance request for a front yard setback on Aspen Road by Tom Babino was also discussed. Babino aimed to demolish an existing home and construct a new single-family dwelling within a Shoreland Overlay District. The proposed plan involved a 15-foot front yard setback, where city code typically requires 25 feet. Concerns about soil compaction and septic site location were addressed, and the variance was evaluated based on reasonableness, unique circumstances, and neighborhood impact. A neighbor expressed concerns about the proximity of the new construction to her property, highlighting potential visual impacts. Babino clarified that the house would maintain a 10-foot distance from the neighbor’s property line, taking care to preserve the natural landscape and avoid removing a large white pine tree.

Discussions also touched on the dimensions and design of the proposed house, with Babino explaining the necessity of a larger garage due to the inclusion of a storm shelter. The commission considered these factors in approving the variance request, which aligned with neighboring properties and preserved the natural slope of the lot.