12-12-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July 18,2005 6:00 o’clock p.m. (#05-3131 Steve Bohl, Continued) wetlands have ever been used as passive or active recreational use in order to qualify ibr the 10 percent clause. Gaffron stated the City has only one other RPUD, which is Stone Bay, and that the wetlands on that site were not used as passive recreation in that situation. GafTron noted there is a city park located across the street from this proposed development. Jurgens inquired whether some type of fee could be inqiosed to help improve the park located across the street in lieu of the 10 percent of land dedication. Gaffion stated the RFUD standards do not contemplate a fee. Jurgens stated he would like construction limits demonstrated on the plans, noting that in his view this site is going to be conq)leteIy cleared to allow for construction. Jurgens stated he would like to see what is being proposed for the land to the south and the impact it would have on the roads in this area. Rahn inquired whether Uiere are any lots diat are less dian 14,000 square feet. Rahn stated it is his understanding that the 14,000 square feet was agreed to in order to allow more affordable housing in this area. Gaffion stated one of the goals in the changes in the Conqirehensive Plan was to allow for densities greater than two units per acre, \^ch is a huge change from what it is currently zoned for. Gaffron stated ttie lower square footage allows for higher density in this area but does not guarantee that the housing being proposed for this area would be affordable. Rahn inquired whettier the IS percent would be more restrictive than die floor area ratio. Gaffron stated it would be difficult for the developer to adhere to the IS percent limit given the type of housing being proposed for this area. Gaffron stated the City’s code does not say that an RFUD is subject to the 15 percent. Jurgens stated in his view diis development will end up being a number of large houses on small lots and gives die appearance of a large amount of massing. Winkey steted in liis view ttie 15 percent is too restrictive. Gaffron stated if the develqjer is required to adhere to the 15 percent, it is likely that tuck-under garages would be constructed, which would luve a negative impact on the marketability of the project. Gaffr on stated the question is whether ffiis development would be viable if held to the 15 percent. Rahn questioned whether rezoning of Lot 3 is necessary at this point. PAGE 22