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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 27, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 21 4. #15-3711 CITY OF ORONO – AMEND CHAPTER 86-68 TO MODIFY SURVEY REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR PROJECTS/ADDITIONS (continued) Walsh stated this is a survey requirement issue. Walsh stated to his recollection the Council had discussed some language previously about allowing some leeway, which would hopefully resolve 80 or 90 percent of those issues without requiring professional signatures. Walsh stated he would like to make it easy for someone to build a small deck. McMillan stated part of the issue is hardcover or setbacks. Walsh stated the person would still need to submit the plan to the City and that he would like to get the small projects past this problem. Walsh stated the draft ordinance does not address that. McMillan stated the City needs to find something consistent across the board and that each situation is different. Walsh stated every project will now require a number of signatures. Curtis indicated the City already requires that. Walsh stated he does not want to overburden people who would like to do a small project, which is what the City is doing right now. Curtis stated Staff could perhaps come up with some thresholds or exemptions for the Council’s consideration. Curtis stated Staff did attempt to do that with this ordinance and the criteria became a little muddy. Curtis stated Staff will review to see if some criteria can be developed. McMillan stated even with a small project, there might be issues with wetlands, hardcover, setbacks, or something else. McMillan stated Staff wants to be able to have ways to look at something and be able to determine what that threshold is without just arbitrarily saying they will let this one slide or requiring a signed survey in one case and not another. McMillan asked if a building permit is required for a deck. Curtis indicated it is. McMillan noted the deck would also need to be inspected, which requires Staff time. McMillan stated the question is whether the homeowner should pay the money to have it surveyed. Printup stated he understands what Council Member Walsh is saying about the small projects. McMillan asked if it helps the building inspector to have a survey. Curtis stated it would depend on the project and the property. McMillan suggested Staff perhaps come up with some examples for thresholds. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 05/11/2015 Approval of Council Minutes 04/27/15 [Page 6 of 21]