12-15-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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0 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 1997 the point of where change can occur. Van Zomeren said it is not the catalyst for change but should be fine tuned. Hawn indicated that there is little discretion available if sewer units have been granted on properties in the past, even if the properties are substandard. It was noted, however, that these applications usually require other variances as well. Van Zomeren said it is her opinion that the 15% structural coverage limitation should be strictly adhered to with no variances allowed. There were 19 of 27 requests approved for structural coverage variances. Van Zomeren questioned what was the hardship. Gaffron referenced the opinion of Mayor Jabbour, who feels that if the standards are . changed, people will still request variances for more than what is being allowed. The reference point is what changes. Van Zomeren said she is not suggesting that hardcover requirements should change but sees a correlation where changes would benefit. She cited the oversized accessory chart includes what is reasonable but requires variance application for any amounts over that included in the chart. Gaffron said the Council had made the decision to review those applications that are not reflected by the chart. Schroeder asked if the Council and Planning Commission decisions were reviewed separately in the analysis. Bressler said he analyzed the resolutions approved by the Council. Schroeder asked what the variable is between recommendations made by the Planning Commission and Council decisions. Gaffron said there is a 10 -20% conflict in decisions and can go either direction. He noted that the Council finds it difficult to deny a request that was recommended for approval by the Commission. Gaffron said the Council prefers that the Planning Commission holds applications to code. 14