07-27-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: July 27, 2015 ITEM NO: 9 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Department Approval: Administrator Reviewed: Agenda Section: Name Jeremy Barnhart JML Planning Department Report Title Community Development Director ____________________________________________________________________________________ Item Description: 15‐3756 City of Orono, Amend City Code Section 86‐68 Survey Requirements ____________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose. The proposed ordinance refines the criteria when a survey or certified site plan is not required. Background. On July 13th, the City Council reviewed a draft ordinance that proposes amendments to the survey/ site plan requirements for smaller projects that are well within the required setbacks on any lot that has an as‐built survey on file. It is important to note that a site plan is still required for most building permits, though they do not need to be ‘certified’ by the professionals listed. During this review, the Council seemed supportive of the changes proposed, but questioned the age/ accuracy of the as‐built surveys, and how hardcover would be addressed. Responses to both comments are summarized below: Age/ accuracy of the survey. The draft ordinance requires a survey that accurately describes the property conditions. An as‐built survey is not required, just an accurate certified survey. The concern was that all surveys are a snapshot in time, and may not reflect current conditions. For example, an as‐ built survey from 2006 that does not reflect changes made since is less beneficial that a survey provided (with no as‐built required) for a 2010 project. Hardcover. Hardcover calculations are required as part of the building permit application. For clarity, the statement in Section 2 d of the attached ordinance requires information necessary to review a project, and lists hardcover, grading, and landscaping requirements specifically. Analysis. The draft ordinance does require more time and discretion on the part of staff, to determine: if the survey accurately describes the conditions, adequate evidence regarding the average lake shore setback is provided, and all other necessary information is provided. List of Exhibits Draft ordinance Staff report to City Council dated July 13, 2015 COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance as presented.