09-16-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 0 ( #9 - #2177 Bob Melamed - Continued) Regarding the 25' side setback, Norby said it currently is planned at 27' and originally at 32'. The turnaround was at a 90 degree angle but has been changed to save three additional trees. There may possibly be additional deciduous trees planted in the area. Norby noted the extensive undergrowth of smaller trees which adds to the denseness of the wooded property. When asked by Schroeder how close the neighboring house was, Melamed said the neighboring house was located more to the east on their lot with the driveway to the west. Norby added that the neighboring lot was also quite wooded. Mabusth said the setback would be up to negotiations with the neighbor, the Simonds. Norby said the curved driveway was a result of tree placement. A 20" basswood in front would be lost if the garage and driveway were to be turned more towards the front of the house. Without the encroachment, the applicant said there would be a wide swath of trees cut out of original virgin forest. The smaller growth of trees on the property are located to the east. It was then noted that the average setback is 13' to the side of the lot with the closest at 6'. Stoddard asked how much would be gained if the back out was removed. Melamed and Norby said a car could not get out of the garage in that scenario. Mabusth added that the apron could be moved more to the east. Lindquist asked that Staff review the setback with the Simonds. Mabusth also noted that she would like to have the City Engineer review the plan to see if the back out could be brought further east to pull it further away from the side lot line. Smith asked instead of a straight approach, front load, if a slight turn could be done to get around the tree without getting into the turn around area. Norby said the 14' driveway with a front load of 30' narrows down to 20'. Mabusth commented that there would still be a need for a back -up area. Norby noted that trees would still be lost. Smith said that would not occur further up. Melamed said the amended plan calls for removal of only one tree. Smith agreed adding that it was also misleading in that many were lost with the driveway. Norby said although the solution would physically work, they were also attempting to eliminate the sight of vehicles and questioned if the covenants would be met. Smith noted that the covenant also asks for a straight drive. Melamed commented that many of the houses in the development had curved driveways and is puzzled by the requirement of straight driveways. Schroeder responded that it was an attempt to limit impact on tree growth in front yards. Melamed said the driveway across the street, as well as that of the Simonds, is curved. Schroeder said the 6' is close but views in support of the plan with Simonds approval as it is a better design. 17