05-21-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 21,2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. 2. LA18-000039 CATHERINE MEYER,493 PARK AVENUE,VARIANCES, 6:31 P.M.— 6:35 P.M.—Continued Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Thiesse commented the house is of a moderate size, fits the neighborhood, and that he does not have a problem with the application. Landgraver stated it is a prudent approach since the hardcover is below the allowable limit. Lemke moved,Landgraver seconded,to recommend approval of Application No.LA18-000041, Catherine Meyer,493 Park Avenue,subject to the two lots being combined. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. 3. LA18-000040 MATTHEW AND ANGELA HOPPING,95 SMITH AVENUE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT,6:35 P.M.—6:58 P.M. The applicant was not present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting approval of a conditional use permit for grading over 500 cubic yards. Also as part of this plan the applicant is requesting City Council approval of a second driveway access onto Smith Avenue to access a lower level garage. The applicants are redeveloping the subject property and constructing a new residence. Their grading plan involves the import of approximately 250 cubic yards of soil with a total site disturbance balance of approximately 815 cubic yards. The new home is proposed to have an upper,main garage, as well as a lower garage to accommodate their desired number of vehicles on site. The proposed new home is more in keeping with the immediate neighborhood. Staff has provided an analysis of the conditional use permit criteria in the report and individual criteria can be discussed if the Planning Commission wishes. To accomplish the desired home and the tuck-under garage,the grade must be adjusted with fill in the area between the house and the road on the northeast side. The proposed home will have a first-floor garage elevated above the current grades by approximately seven feet and the lower level garage floor will be set within a foot or so of the existing grade. The property is situated along Smith Avenue. According to City Code, one driveway approach is permitted per property. In addition to the conditional use permit,the City Council will need to grant approval to allow the second driveway approach. This requirement is not within the zoning code and therefore a public hearing for this type of variance is not necessary, but the City Council shall consider the second driveway request when the conditional use permit is reviewed. Curtis stated the City has not received any written public comments regarding this application but that she did speak with a couple of the neighbors regarding the grading plan and that Staff can meet with them and the applicant to discuss the plan further if they desire. Planning Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit subject to the following conditions: Page 2 of 17