Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,July 15, 2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Stairs are permitted by City Code. In similar situations, property owners have two choices in installing <br /> stairs: above-grade deck-type stairs or in-ground stairs. Above grade deck stairs are often more visually <br /> impactful, as the entire structure is above ground. These stairs are often used where protection of the <br /> slope is of greater importance than preserving the natural shoreline view. In-ground stairs blend into the <br /> shoreline more effectively but often require some slope stabilization. These are often used where the <br /> slope is minor and helps to better preserve the natural shoreline. <br /> Public comment was received and has been included in the Planning Commission packet. <br /> Staff finds practical difficulty in the lake yard slope to allow the minimal retaining walls associated with <br /> the set-in grade stair system for lake and dock access. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the variance permitting the retaining walls to support the stairs <br /> conditioned upon implementation of a landscape plan which screens the walls from the lake. The <br /> applicant has emailed a photograph of a property with a similar landscape design and that will be put up <br /> on the overhead. <br /> Bollis asked whether the variance is just for the retaining wall. <br /> Curtis indicated it is. The stairs are permitted but the walls are not. The applicant could install an above- <br /> ground staircase. The walls will be generally screened and will help soften that look. <br /> Eric Vogstrom,Applicant,stated he had nothing to add to Staff's report. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. <br /> Greg Hueler,2710 Pence Lane, stated he is here to support the application,but the issue he has is that the <br /> subdivision was supposed to have guidelines for not using the driveway. The Dunkleys are still using the <br /> driveway,which was a specific prohibition under the plat approval. <br /> Hueler commented he wants the Planning Commission to understand that a lot of people are watching this <br /> to see if they will be approving a variance on a property that is not in compliance with what has been <br /> approved. Hueler stated due to the lack of consequences of ignoring the direction of the City and the <br /> Mayor, he is not sure how the Planning Commission can deal with it. If it is approved, other citizens will <br /> expect the same treatment and that they should expect a number of neighbors expecting the same <br /> nonchalant concern for the shoreline and the hillside. <br /> Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. <br /> Libby stated it is difficult when behavior and conduct of general contractors and subcontractors become <br /> an issue. Sometimes, if not properly directed by the general contractor,there may be behavior that the <br /> Planning Commission and City Council cannot control. Libby stated he commends Mr. Hueler for <br /> coming tonight and expressing concern, but that he does not see any other neighbors expressing concern <br /> about it except for Mr. Hueler's letter and his comments tonight. <br /> Curtis noted the letter was from a different neighbor. <br /> Bollis asked if the property is in compliance with the subdivision approval. <br /> Page 8 of 17 <br />