Laserfiche WebLink
!: t <br />3. <br />4. <br />The Orono Planning Commission reviewed this application on October 20, 1997, <br />and recommended approval of the requested variances based upon the following <br />findings: <br />A.The 66’ right-of-way of West Femdale Road is unusually wide because <br />it was formerly a County Road, and placement of an arborvitae hedge <br />15' from the paved traveled roadway will have no impact on traffic <br />safety or road maintenance. <br />B.The approval for an arborvitae hedge 15 ’ from the paved traveled <br />roadway is similar in character to a fence recently approved for the <br />adjacent property to the east which was required to be located 15' <br />from the paved traveled roadway. <br />C.Construction of a gate to provide yard maintenance access to the <br />property, with such gate located within the right-of-way but 23' from <br />the paved traveled roadway, is appropriate as long as there is no <br />accompanying paving, gravel, or other hard surface associated with the <br />gateway. <br />D.Although applicant's existing driveway apron is 40’ in width where <br />City code would normally allow only a 20’ wide apron, the existing <br />apron was approved by prior Council action. The proposed 130 s.f. <br />expansion does not impact safety or maintenance of Femdale Road. <br />The additional 130 s.f. of hardcover is more than offset by applicant's <br />prior removal of approximately 1,373 s.f. of hardcover by the recent <br />removal of the pre-existing Skarp residence, driveway, sidewalks, and <br />related hardcover. <br />E.The two tax parcels must be legally combined in order that the <br />improvements are on the same lot as the principal structure. <br />The City Council has considered this application including the findings and <br />recommendations of the Planning Commission, reports by City staff, comments <br />by the applicant and the effect of the proposed variance on the health, safety and <br />welfare of the community. <br />Page 2 of7