Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />WORK SESSION HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 1997 <br />Smith noted that properties being considered for development survey wetlands. Gaffron <br />explained how the costs have escalated in surveying. Smith suggested identifying buffer <br />areas and what is in that area which would result in the focus placed in that area. Gaffron <br />said the goals can be defined and include what needs to be inventoried. There may be a <br />need for selective tree survey. <br />Wilson felt the Commission was on track in their direction taken regarding tree <br />preservation. She would like to see the review continue. <br />( #2) VARIANCE REPORT <br />Van Zomeren reported that the inventory of variances was over the past three years. The <br />majority of variances were in the LR -1C district, along Shadywood or Casco, for lot <br />width and area due to requirements being greater than the land platted. The overall <br />approval rate was found to be 78.3% or 323 of 401 variance requests approved. Van <br />Zomeren felt this high approval rate presents the question of what is being accomplished. <br />Schroeder asked if the approvals were as presented in the applications. Van Zomeren <br />said that approval rate was 70 %. The inventory is broken down by variance type and not <br />by application. <br />Smith asked what the inventory tells us. Van Zomeren said the inventory reveals that <br />variances are not an effective land use tool. However, Van Zomeren said the Council <br />wants to review all of the applications rather than codification. Van Zomeren said <br />variances take away from planning. She noted if the process is of value, it should be <br />• retained; but if not, it should be changed. Smith asked if the process should be used to <br />13 <br />