Agenda Packet Cc - regular meeting 10/24/1988

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-Mr Zoning File #990 October 19, 1988 Page 3 of 3 Staff Recossendation - In the var4.ous memos and the exhibits presented to Planning Commission and Council by staff on this revised proposal and the previous "2 additional building sites" proposal dating back to 1985, staff has attempted to fairly present the history and factual basis for the City's common -ownership philosophy and ordinances. Based on that information, it is staff's opinion that approval of this proposal to allow a second residence on a commonly -owned parcel of 2.9 acres in a 2 acre zone, will set a precedent that, given the relatively non -unique circumstances of this application, could result in as many as 22 similar properties being requested for similar consideration. Twenty-two substandard lots being developed in a rural, unsewered area of approximately 1,100 developed, unsewered properties may or may not be significant in maintaining the goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan, depending on the individual characteristics of each of those properties and the intensity of development of those properties in the future. Certainly, allowing infill development o' existing substandard common -ownership unsewered lots will not enhance Orono's attempt to keep sewers c-ut of the rural area. It is questionable whether such development will have a significant negative effect. However, approval of this application will likely result in additional similar requests. Councii should consider what criteria the City will use in reviewing those requests as they occur. If Council agrees with Planning Commission that it is appropriate given the circumstances of this application that second house should be constructed on the property, it is staff's recommendation that the property be equally divided into 1.45 acre parcels for the reasons noted above. Staff feels that the degree of precedent set, i.e. granting each site a 27.5% variance, is less precedent -setting than granting a 5.5% variance for a vacant lot and granting a 49.5% variance for the lot with the house on it. A resolution reflecting Counci l's action on this variance will be drafted and presented for adoption at your next meeting.