10-20-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 1997 9 ( #1 - Tree Preservation - Continued) The Commission and Staff have not reviewed the Maple Grove ordinance and felt time should be allowed for this to occur. Regarding the concept of using an overlay, Schroeder said this would enable the City to take notice of areas of importance, such as a remnant of the Big Woods. Lindquist and Berg agreed. Planning Commission agreed that the ordinance is not meant to curb develop but to obtain a better development that is in character with the city. Gaffron said the goal of tree preservation should be included in the subdivision ordinance if related. Van Zomeren noted it is not included in the commercial section and would have to be noted there as well. Gaffron said it would be included in the residential zones as well. Lindquist reported that everyone is interested in protecting woodlands whether it be by an overlay or otherwise. Schroeder indicated that an overlay of woodlands could be contrary to the 2 -acre zoning with septic noting it might drive the development towards clustering. McMillan said a forester would be needed if an overlay was done. The detailed study would incur a large expense. She noted the problem with restricting the use. Hawn questioned whether woodlands does not refer to 10 acres or more and if development is compatible with this. Gaffron said, in the sense of granting density credit or clustering in order to save woodlands, the goal is to preserve the woodlands or trees within the development. Schroeder felt the probable best way to protect woodlands would be through limiting the number of trees that could be cut. Lindquist said there would then be a problem with determining how many trees could be cut. McMillan said she was concerned with the manhours and staff work to oversee such requirements. She reiterated the need for a forester if this was to occur and questioned whether the City would want to take this step. Gaffron said a consultant can be used and the cost passed on to the developer. McMillan asked what would be done for residential properties. Berg said a benchmark standard may be necessary for a certain number of lots. Gaffron said the intent is not to review all trees, noting this just cannot be done. Berg said the purpose would be to limit the developer. Once the property is sold to a homeowner, that homeowner would have the right to do as they would like with their own property. Gaffron noted it would create a balance through the wants of the resident and that of the neighborhood. Berg noted people are wanting to remove trees in order to • create back yards.