03-22-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday March 13,2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 12. #17-3903 ALEX UGORETS, 2520 SHADYWOOD ROAD, SKETCH PLAN — Continued - Barnhart indicated the applicant has a number of photographs he would like to show as part of his presentation but that this aerial picture depicts the building from the front with three stories and a penthouse. A flat roof building is proposed, which is different than most residential structures in town, but the Planning Commission indicated they are comfortable with the flat roof, citing the fact that a number of commercial buildings in Navarre have flat roofs. Barnhart stated a flat roof may also appear to be less massive. Barnhart displayed a view of the building from the wetland. From the back the building does appear to be 5.5 stories with the penthouse level. Barnhart noted the penthouse does not cover the entire upper level of the building. Barnhart displayed a number of sketches depicting the proposed building on the site from different angles. The Planning Commission reviewed a number of issues and indicated they were comfortable with the density. In addition, the Planning Commission discussed the height and recognized that Orono has historically stood firm on three stories. Last summer the City adjusted the height limitation to not be calculated on the number of stories but rather calculated on the actual height elevation. From a height standpoint, this project will likely be a PUD and the City will have some flexibility on the height. The Planning Commission also talked about fire safety and the expectation that Fire Code would be met. It is Staff s expectation that some sort of driveway will be required around the back of the building to meet Fire Code but that Staff will defer to the Fire Chief on those issues. One of the comments that the Planning Commission noted was the residential homes will be the most impacted from a visual standpoint based on the proximity of the building to the homes. There is a large wetland that separates the property and impacts the property owner's ability to develop the entire site. The developer has provided some sketches to illustrate the separation between the proposed building and the residential area. Crosby noted the people on Lydiard will also be impacted. Barnhart stated it is likely there will be some type of development on this site and that the question is what is the most appropriate. The site is currently guided for mixed use, which could either be business use or an apartment building. Crosby asked whether this area could be developed as single-family homes. Barnhart stated the Comprehensive Plan would need to be amended and that the site is currently guided for 6 to 15 units per acre. When the Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved for Shadywood Villas, the density on this site was increased. Seals asked how many acres the site consists of. Barnhart stated to his knowledge it is approximately three acres of upland. Barnhart stated the applicant is proposing 15 units per acre. Page 14 of 32