06-17-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 17, 1996 0 ( #2 - #2134 Rob Albrecht - Continued) Smith commented on a driveway reduction. It was her understanding that the Commission was of a consensus that no reduction be done in the driveway area due to safety concerns. Smith said she was not convinced that the information presented is enough to recommend approval. Mitchell responded that the previous survey was inadequate. He asked if the issue was if the driveway reduction deemed it unsafe noting its adequate width. Smith said Staff recommended against it. Gaffron clarified that the driveway was a point of findings in the 1991 review, and the Planning Commission at that time recommended it would be best to leave the driveway as it is. Mitchell remarked that there is no more land available and the applicant can only do so much and requests approval of the small amenity located outside of the critical 0 -75' zone. Smith said it was a matter of adhering to the 1991 Planning Commission review. At that time, the property owner was informed that no more improvements would be allowed. Mitchell noted the number of substandard lots in the neighborhood. He said if the area was looked at in its entirety, there is alot of green space with no stormwater problem, and the application was not a matter of correcting deficiencies. Mitchell cited an example in Medina of where improvements originally denied were later deemed a necessity. Lindquist responded that this property already has a deck. Mitchell noted its different location and the need to recreate. • Peterson said the emotional ties have been established with the deck already g bein in place. Mitchell asked for reconsideration noting the double fees paid by applicant and expressed an apology. Hawn expressed her concern for setting a precedent questioning at what point a Planning Commission recommendation is taken seriously. Mitchell responded that the hardcover is in the 75 -250' zone and a net decrease in hardcover was the result of the application. Peterson inquired about the average lakeshore setback. Gaffron said it is not an issue and does not require a variance. Mitchell noted the house sits back on the property, and the applicant was doing what he could to create a less non - conforming situation. Peterson said he now was considering approval of the application. When asked why by Smith, Peterson said the main issue is to reduce hardcover in the 75 -250' zone, which is being done, conditioning his approval on the driveway safety issue being satisfactory. Smith voiced concern that over time, the driveway would reappear as it now stands. Schroeder asked about reducing the dock down to 4. Hawn asked if the neighbors were concerned with the 6' shoreline dock. Albrecht said his isneighbors were in favor of it noting a letter of approval from the neighbors.