08-28-1989 - Agenda Packet City Council - regular meeting

Home Browse Search

Zoning File #1428 July 13, 1989 Page 2 of 4 2. Applicant has prepared numerous exhibits which provide an excellent depiction of his proposed grading and construction. Additionally, applicant has provided a detailed letter indicating his reasons for this request. Applicant has met with the City Engineer and staff regarding this proposal and was advised early on that similar requests for excavation in lakeshore zones have been generally denied in a number of recent applications. Mr. Burgess was also given the background on some of the most recent similar applications. 3. The existing house encroaches approximately 35' into the 0- 75' zone. Applicant would remove this structure and the entire 0-75' zone would revert to non -hardcover status. 4. Applicant proposes to maintain the existing level of hardcover in the 75-250' zone, at 33.7%. In order to do this, he proposes to use a "grass paver" or porous pavement system to gain access to the proposed detached garage, which would house vehicles used only on a sporadic basis. 5. The grading in the 0-75' setback zone is intended to increase the stability of the lakeshore bank, eliminate the need for a lake access stairway, and provides the ability to create a a:alk-out. The proposed grading would result in removal from the site of approximately 4,000 cubic yards of material. Applicant notes the existing residence sits relatively high above the lake compared to the properties in the neighborhood and he feels that the walk -out excavation will not be out of character with the neighborhood nor be visually obtrusive as viewed from the lake. Discussion - In treatment of recent similar applications, the City Council has generally relied on the direction and philosophy found within the City of Orono Community Management Plan. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Plan, Chapter 3, states a number of general policies for Natural Resource Management, including the following: 9. Lake shorelines will be protected from alteration. Also in the Environmental Protection Plan, Urban Area Policies for Natura'_ Resource Management include the following: "2. Retenti iatural vegetation will limit the impact of urbanizati isible from the lake."