07-11-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

t i; ■ MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, April 18,2005 6:00 o’clock p.m. (005*3097 Hashem Abakbadra, Continued) Oaflron stated this issue was discussed with Gronberg. Gafiron stated the City did a wetland inventory in 1974, which did not include many wetlands that would now be included. The City has established a moratorium on wetlands, which has been in effect for the past six months. Gaffron stated under the old ordinance some « those wetland delineations would be allowed as dry buildable. Gaffron stated since there is a moratorium in effect, this property would be subject to whatever the new regulations are and that it is likely that area would not be considered diy buildable. Rahn pointed out this is an environmentally delicate area and questioned whether some of the City’s other codes relating to the environment would apply in this situation, which could impact the building pads. Gaffron stated the design process that is being reviewed as part of the rural oasis moratorium consists of looking at the visual impacts of development from across the lake and down the road. That study resulted in conclusions that the City will require in the future that some buffering be done in these types of developments to reduce the visual impact of new homes from lakes and/or wetland. Gaffron stated that study was originally put in place for larger developments but that the Council may find it beneficial to use the study on smaller developments as well to help preserve some of the rural characteristics of the area. Gaf^n stated this property is net under a moratorium for development but just a moratorium relating to wetlands. Kempf commented in his opinion it would be beneflcial to have a study done on this property. Abukhadra questioned how this property would visually affect other property owners. Kempf stated if a two and a half story house is constructed on one of these lots, it would be visible for miles. Abukhadra stated the purpose of constructing a house on top of a hill is to get a view of the lake, but that they are planning to leave the property pretty much as is and are not planning on constructing any houses in next few years. Gronberg stated there are three tax parcels at the present time and that they would like to do some long-term planning and create one ^itional lot. Rahn stated he still has an issue with the setbacks concerning the guesthouse. Jurgens stated in his opinion the setbacks should be met since this would be considered new construction. Gundlach stated a setback variance would be needed from Fox Street. Rahn stated at the time the existing house is redeveloped would be the time to address any nonconformities. iAk >i -PAGE 13 n JLmJLA