Laserfiche WebLink
FILE#LA19-000069 <br /> 16 Sept 2019 <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br /> does not allow for reasonable on street parking.The applicant has proposed a 24.5 foot <br /> driveway approach including radii, with an 11 foot width as it connects to the parking area and <br /> garage access.The hardcover regulations in the code specify a minimum width to match the <br /> garage doors serving the home which is reasonable. <br /> Section 78-1282 which specifies an 8 foot maximum width appears to be in conflict in this <br /> circumstance with Section 78-1681 which requires specific minimum widths. Based on an aerial <br /> photo analysis, many of the properties along Crystal Bay Road have driveways exceeding 8 feet <br /> in width within the 75-foot setback. Staff supports this particular variance. <br /> Retaining Wall Setback Variance (Section 78-1405) <br /> Section 78-1405 (6)guides retaining walls in Orono: <br /> Retaining walls, planters and similar structures, subject to the following provisions: <br /> a) Retaining walls, planters and similar structures may be located in all required yards <br /> when all of the following conditions are met: <br /> 1. The structure is located at least ten feet from the edge of the traveled <br /> roadway;The applicant has verbally indicated that he intends to remove <br /> the retaining walls along the road,though no revised plans have been <br /> submitted. Staff's analysis is based on those walls remaining. As shown <br /> an approximate 4 foot retaining wall is proposed along portions of Crystal <br /> Bay Road. <br /> 2. The structure is not located within a drainage, utility, or other easement, <br /> except upon approval in writing for an encroachment agreement by the city; <br /> or similar approval from another regulatory and/or utility agency; <br /> 3. The structure creates no impacts to drainage direction, rate or volume for <br /> adjacent properties. <br /> 4. The structure is two feet in height or less above existing grade. <br /> b) Retaining walls, planters and similar structures exceeding two feet in height above <br /> existing ground level or which are located less than five feet from a side property line, <br /> shall require a permit and upon recommendation of the building official may require city <br /> council review or a conditional use permit per the provisions of section 78-967. <br /> c) Retaining walls, planters and similar structures exceeding the allowed height of a fence <br /> shall be located so as to meet the required accessory structure setbacks established for <br /> that yard. <br /> Historically, in Orono, housing development has been designed in partnership with the lot. The <br /> unique slope,tree placement, and configuration of each lot has resulted in Orono's unique <br /> housing character. Noting the number, height, and placement of retaining walls, it appears that <br /> the lot is being adjusted to accommodate a desired house: <br /> 1. The proposed side load garage requires a nearly 8' retaining wall between the <br /> auto court and the property to the east. <br /> 2. The creation of a flat lawn area to the west of the house requires raising of the <br /> grade up to 8 feet from existing levels. <br /> 3. The proposed top of wall along Crystal Bay Road is up to 5 feet higher than <br /> Crystal Bay Road inches off the paved surface. <br /> Staff does not support variances that allow retaining walls higher than 2 feet in the required <br /> yards that appear to result in development inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood. <br /> Governing Regulation:Variance (Section 78-123) <br />