6.2 Zoning Administrator's Report

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Planning Commission Minutes March 25, 2024 Page 3 of 8 ----------------------------- intent for guest quarters is as the term implies “a guest of”, it’s not intended to be a rental etc. Pequot does not have a short-term rental ordinance or policy regulations. They shouldn’t be rented. Dean thanked Burslie for the clarification. Dean then asked if this guest quarters is allowed, could it later be considered an accessory dwelling unit as defined in our code, section 17-7.16, which allows accessory dwelling units to be rented long term rentals. Travis’ father-in-law ensure those in the room its not meant for a rental, it’s for his grandmother. Neighbor across the street Erica Schmid spoke. She was sad to see the trees go, stated the plan of the home and guest cottage look nice – she’s ok with this. Her concern is over time it will become a rental – what will this be used for down the road. She enjoys the private neighborhood and does not want to see extra traffic if a rental were to take place. Commission Gonczy commented on the guest quarters, she’d like to see them get closer to the 600 sq ft size. Ordinances are set for a reason. Commission E.Larson stated the sq footage needs to be looked at as a whole. Chair Ellering agreed, stating we need to work towards some uniformity so all sides of town have the same sq.ft to work with on guest cottages etc. Commission Lang stated the concern today by those in attendance seems to be about possible rental more so than the sq footage of the guest cottage. Chair Ellering stated the porch/patio is a part of the sq ft, taking that off is 759 sq ft. (vs. 816), so it is less livable footage. Burslie reiterated that the decision tonight is made by the Commission, it doesn’t go to the Council as a recommendation. The job by the Commission is to go through the staff findings and the applicant has to demonstrate that there are practical difficulties with the code, giving reasons why the code can’t be met. Burslie read through all findings for the Commission. E.Larson asked what the process would be to look at amending the code for square footage going forward, for consistency in all areas of Pequot. Burslie stated he would have to initiate an ordinance amendment to modify that section of the code. This would go through a Public Hearing and would be decided on by Council. This process can be initiated through the Planning Commission. For this request, the decision is based on what’s submitted and what the code/ordinance states today. COMMISSION MEMBER E.LARSON MOVED TO APPROVE VARIANCE BASED ON THE STAFF FINDINGS. COMMISSION MEMBER LANG SECONDED THE MOTION. ROLL CALL TAKEN WITH THIS MOTION: YAY: E.LARSON, LANG, LUGER, ELLERING NAY: GONCZY AND JOHNSON NOT PRESENT: NORTON MOTION CARRIED 4-2.