06-25-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 11, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. 15. LA18-40 MATTHEW AND ANGELA HOPPING, 95 SMITH AVENUE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SECOND DRIVEWAY Curtis stated the applicants are planning to construct a new residence on the property. The grading plan involves the import of approximately 250 cubic yards of material with a total site disturbance of approximately 815 cubic yards. Grading and filling activities in excess of 500 cubic yards require a conditional use permit. The new home is designing to have an upper, main garage facing Smith as well as a lower garage to accommodate their desired number of vehicles on site. They are also requesting approval of a second driveway access onto Smith Avenue to access the lower garage. The Planning Commission held a public hearing, during which time there were neighbors present expressing concerns about the potential for the construction project to adversely impact their narrow street. Following the public and discussion, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 on a motion to approve the requested conditional use permit. The Planning Commission did not discuss or make a recommendation on the second driveway access request. After the public hearing, Staff discussed the neighborhood concerns with the applicants and asked them to consider proactive solutions, including parking restrictions and/or off-street parking during the duration of the project. The applicants have requested the City post the street "no parking" on one side of Smith Avenue in order to maintain an open roadway during the construction. Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit. The Council tonight should direct Staff to draft a resolution regarding the conditional use permit and the second driveway request. Walsh noted the City does not receive a lot of second driveway requests and that it is not a given it will be approved. Curtis stated the grading plan does reflect the second driveway. Curtis indicated she and the City Engineer met with the property owner and discussed their grading plan and their request for the second driveway. Curtis stated she believes the second garage location is important to the property owners. In an attempt to maintain their location within the setbacks on the lot, the applicants' engineer did try to provide a grading plan to utilize one curb cut and get around the house but that he was not able to design anything that is more feasible. Rief noted the elevation drops ten feet in that area. Curtis stated the area is low and that they plan to hold up the fill to access the second driveway with a wall. Walsh asked how many residences are on the road. Curtis stated approximately five. Walsh stated the road is definitely a concern as far as access in and out and that he would like to hear how they can make it as safe as possible. Page 9 of 20