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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday March 13, 2017 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />Barnhart noted retaining walls require a permit at four feet and what the ordinance is saying is someone <br />can have a retaining wall in the required side yard but a permit is required at two feet or above. A permit <br />is not necessary at two feet or less. <br />Mattick stated he understands what the Mayor is saying. Mattick stated a lot of times Staff will get asked <br />where it states that, so it can be added. <br />Mattick stated as it relates to retaining walls and planters, the original intent of the ordinance was to cover <br />only two items. Mattick asked if the Mayor would like the ordinance to apply to any and all hardcover <br />items. <br />Walsh stated if someone has a brick or stone outline around a tree in the side yard, the ordinance would <br />not cover it as currently drafted. Walsh stated that is why he suggested adding the language, any other <br />hardcover component. Walsh noted there would be four places where that would have to be added. <br />Seals asked if the Mayor feels the language is too broad. <br />Mattick stated he is trying to think whether that language would allow patios and decks. Mattick stated a <br />patio could be less than two feet in height and that he is not sure whether that language should be in there. <br />Barnhart stated the idea behind planters was that it would include planter beds or raised gardens, which <br />are more of a defined space. <br />Mattick stated it is hard to create a list to catch everything. <br />Walsh stated he would rather on the side of more flexibility than to change the ordinance for two specific <br />items. Walsh stated he could place stone pavers around his bushes and that might not be covered. <br />Barnhart stated the language "similar improvements" would give some flexibility. <br />Printup stated it could read similar landscaping improvements. <br />Crosby stated patios can be considered a landscaping improvement. <br />Mattick stated he would like to look at that a little further. Mattick asked if the Council is talking about <br />allowing retaining walls and planters and similar landscaping features but not have the language allow <br />patios. <br />Walsh noted they are only talking about the 0-5 foot range and that patios and decks usually require a <br />10 -foot setback. <br />Seals moved, Crosby seconded, to table Application No. 17-3894, City of Orono, Text Amendment: <br />Non -Encroachments. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />