06-10-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, May 20, 2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. Paidosh noted building plans and setbacks are not required for land vacation and that they cannot create structure drawings until after the vacation application. Paidosh stated they would like to treat Bluff Street as an unimproved right-of-way, with the rationale that 50 percent goes to one side and 50 percent to the other. If a line is drawn from that point up to the neighbor on the west, that would allow the house to shift down without pursuing a vacation, and what Jeremy had proposed solved the setback problem. Paidosh stated this is not an attempt at a land grab for either himself or his neighbor and that he would be accepting additional tax liability without receiving much use of the land due to the proposed easement to maintain the catch basin and storm water pipe. The easement would prevent him from building on the vacated land. The house could probably be slid up slightly from the current setback and they are not constructing a McMansion. Paidosh stated the only benefit he would get is the ability to build a new structure beyond the current setback. Until the first meeting with Jeremy, they were not aware of a land vacation and their intent in meeting with Staff was to gain guidance and understand what a reasonable lakeside setback for the structure would be and to help keep the costs down. Paidosh commented the process has been a bit frustrating due to the lack of continuity within the Planning Department in supporting the vacation application. Paidosh suggested this option not be discussed if there is no appetite for supporting it and that he is open to other suggestions. Erickson asked whether a new driveway would be created. Paidosh indicated there would be and that they have had to go to all -wheel drive vehicles due to issues with their current driveway. The other side has a more gradual slope and that they look at this as an opportunity to relocate it. Erickson stated any time someone can have their entrance on a lower traffic road, that has very positive implications for traffic safety. Paidosh stated his triplets will be driving soon and it is a safety factor. In fairness to Planning Staff, they have been supportive of the driveway relocation. Thiesse asked whether they could access from the other side if the garage is placed on that side of the house. Paidosh indicated it is pretty steep topography and would likely create other issues. Erickson asked whether the applicant has given any thought to planting any native grasses along the shoreline to help improve water quality. Paidosh stated people have approached them on that in the past and that it might be something he would consider in the future. Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application.