03-18-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 18, 1996 • ( #3 - #2063 Gerald and Candace Rowlette - Continued) Mabusth reported that the application was tabled at the September, 1995, meeting to discuss drainage problems with Staff. The applicants had reported that the construction of Landmark Drive to the north has had a major impact on drainage on their property. The request is for hardcover and setback variances to replace an existing deck that was built in 1976. The current Lakeshore regulations adopted in 1975 governed the building of the deck and applicants received variance approval. The applicants had reported that the construction of Landmark Drive to the north has had a major affect on drainage on their property. Rowlette said the drainage flows correctly during minor rain falls, but when excess rain occurs, the west side of their property is inundated with surface runoff. Staff advised that a County representative suggested constructing a F high berm in the County right -of -way. Mabusth said a permit would be required from the County. Rowlette said the deck replacement is an exact replacement in the existing envelope of 423 s.f and located 10' out from the house. Rowlette said they have come up with a compromise for the excessive hardcover with the elimination of 220 s.£ of landscape underlayment to the east of the driveway. Mabusth commented that this landscape area is within the County right -of -way and is not calculated in the hardcover facts. Rowlette said the rock on the side of the house, along with the sidewalk from the driveway, is necessary for drainage for the ground IS gutter in order to keep runoff away from the house. Smith asked what compromise could be made to effect hardcover reduction on the property. Rowlette said he had no areas where hardcover could be eliminated as the landscape areas were wood chipped only. He noted that 1 /3rd of the concrete patio was removed in 1988, but the. remainder is needed for safety reasons to allow for an exit in case of fire and to eliminate ground heave. It was clarified that the landscape areas do not have any plastic underlayment but were figured in the calculation as hardcover. Schroeder inquired if the berm was to be installed in order to change the drainage patterns. Rowlette said the purpose was for privacy. Mabusth added that it would redirect the drainage also. Mabusth questioned why a berm would be installed just to the west side of driveway when the drainage flows from east to west, and Rowlette said it was a matter of preference. Mabusth said the berm could be located in the right of way but trees would not be approved by County. Schroeder noted that the application was for reconstruction only of the deck and did not affect the hardcover that exists on the property. Smith said the Commission would normally look for areas for reduction but did not see any area to reduce since there was no • plastic underlayment under the landscape areas adjacent to house.