08-16-1999 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 16, 1999 (#11) #2517 SCOTT AND LISA BITTMAN, 25 BROWN ROAD SOUTH -VARIANCES,8:15 p.m. - 8:22 p.m.—(cont.) Jenson stated that an application for a building permit was submitted. Jenson commented that the entire second story of the residence is being replaced. Bittman stated they are replacing the second story due to the deteriorated state of the residence. Kluth commented that he does not want to encourage people to commence work on their residences without the appropriate building permits, noting that sometimes the improvements are required to be torn down if the work is completed without the appropriate building permits. Lindquist stated that normally a building permit is obtained within two weeks. Bittman stated that a survey was required, which took two months to obtain. Weinberger stated the building inspector had given the approval for the work to continue due to concerns regarding the present damage to the house. Lindquist moved, Smith seconded, to recommend approval of Application #2517, 25 Brown Road South, to allow a front yard variance to add a second story to the existing home within the 50 foot setback to Brown Road South. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS (#13) OTHER ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION • Mayor Jabbour stated the Planning Commission and City Council needs some continuity regarding the issue of plastic underlayment and whether it should be considered as hardcover or legally non-conforming. Jabbour stated he has a concern that people are trading in non-conforming structures or hardcover in an effort to make their properties more legally conforming and that perhaps the City Council and Planning Commission should take the view that the non-conforming structures or hardcover should be immediately removed. Kluth commented that it would be nice if the Planning Commission could be provided with copies of all previous variance requests on a property whenever a new application is submitted. Mayor Jabbour commented that perhaps the issue dealing with hardcover should be explained prior to the application reaching the Planning Commission. Smith suggested that the Applicants be given examples of what is allowed and not allowed for hardcover as part of their application, especially if the property owner is new to the application process. (#12) REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING COUNCIL MEETINGS ON JULY 26, 1999 AND AUGUST 9, 1999 Smith stated she attended the July 26, 1999 City Council meeting,where the Mayor had complimented the Planning Commission for their fine efforts on the Peter Boynton application. Mayor Jabbour stated in his opinion the demonstration of hardship as defined by statutes was good. Smith stated the Bancor Group's request was heard at the meeting as well regarding rezoning and the request for a PRD. • Mayor Jabbour commented that the City Council basically followed the recommendations of the 11