06-11-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 21, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Dan Carlson, applicant's representative, stated the reason the extra dirt is going to be moved is because the current home is in front of the front yard setback and the house needs to be demolished and that area filled. Curtis noted they are proposing to raise the area adjacent to the street to accommodate the access on the lower level as well as having a main garage access. Carlson noted part of the fill is due to the old foundation. Thiesse pointed out it also appears there is a significant amount of fill for the driveway up behind the retaining wall. Carlson agreed some fill will be necessary for the driveway. Carlson stated there are already three other neighbors in the area that have a second driveway access. Curtis noted that would be an issue for the City Council and not the Planning Commission. Landgraver asked if the applicant is in agreement with the recommendations listed in the Staff report. Carlson indicated they are. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. Ryan Blackwell, 80 Smith Avenue, stated they live across the street from this property and that they have three concerns. Blackwell asked where the second driveway is going to be in relation to his driveway. Blackwell noted there is a corner approximately 100 feet down the street from his driveway. Curtis illustrated the approximate location of the driveway and noted it will not be directly across from Mr. Blackwell's driveway. Curtis stated the applicant is not showing any grading in that area except for minimal grading and the removal of trees. Curtis noted the heavy lines on the plan depict the new grades. Blackwell stated in front of the house right now and all the way down the property line there is approximately a seven to eight -foot berm. Blackwell stated if the berm is capped at seven feet and the house is built on top of that, he has a concern that he will be in a valley since the other house is raised three feet. Curtis indicated the applicant is not proposing to grade anything beyond the driveway. Blackwell asked if the driveway will be cut through the berm. Curtis indicated it will be and that the grade beyond the driveway is not proposed to be raised. Thiesse asked if it is a single -story house. Curtis stated it is. Curtis stated the house itself will be taller on the property but the grade from the house to the road is not going to be changed.