11-27-2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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i i MINUTES Or THE _ ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mo►iclay,November 13,2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. I ; (9. #06-3240 CITY OF ORONO ZONE CODE SECTION 78-1—DEFINI'lIONS OF j "BASEMENT"AND "STORY"ZONING CODEAMENDMENT, Coirtiirue�l) � I, building code. Gaffron stated if half of the home is located Uelow�-ade,it should be considered a Uasement and if half of it is located above grade,it should be considered a story. Schoenzeit a�-eed that the City should have good def nitions of what a story is and what a basement is Uut that the impact of this ordinance on smaller homes should be taken into consideration. Schoenzeit requested some acconunodation be made for the sinaller homes. McMillan stated if Mr. Schoenzeit's basement is considered a story because it is more a walk-out, he would lose the potential of adding a story. McMillan stated this ordinance could also potentially limit the expandability of her house. Schoenzeit stated there are sections in the ordinance that would have huge impacts on the smaller houses. McMillan inquired whether the 50 percent is contained in the building codes. Gaffron stated it is. Gaffron stated the majarity of the plans that have come before the City in the past few months do not meet the cun-ent code. Gaffrons suggested Staff look at the iinpact this ordinance would have on a smaller house and perhaps draft a different standard that could be drafted for the smaller- sized residence. Brokl pointed out there is a big difference in the City's regulations for new construction versus remodel. Gaffron stated based on the way Staff is dealing with it today,people can put the foundation two feet deeper into the ground to meet the City's ordinance. Gaffi-on stated Staff would like to measure fiom the floor above and measut-e down. White stated he would like to Ia1ow what the rainifications of this ordinance amendment are for the smaller sized homes. McMillan inquired what the ramification would Ue to a house that is not located on the lake. Gaffron stated the issues would Ue the same and that the ordinance is aitempting to limit massing on a lot. Murphy proposed the ardinance amendment be taUled and discussed in a worlc session. Gaffron stated there are two or tlu�ee items on next week's Plaiu-iing Commission meeting that are out of coinpliance with the City's cui7�ent policy Uut would be in compliance with this ordinance. Schoenzeit stated inclusion of a definition of walkout might also help. Gaffron stated a walkout versus a loolcout is a major issue. McMillan inquired whetl�er two and a half stories are the maximum. Gaffi-on stated that is correct. PAGE 12 of'15