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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, October 17, 2005 <br />6:00 o'clock p.m. <br />mulch and some stepping-stones. Kempf stated the applicant is probably doing that in good faith but that <br />in all likelihood a future owner will replace those stepping-stones with a concrete sidewalk. Kempf stated <br />whenever something that enhances the usability of the house is removed, it tends to reappear in the future. <br />Leslie stated he is in agreement with the comments already expressed. <br />Bremer stated to her recollection the Planning Commission was happy at the time the builder was <br />originally before the Commission that the hardcover on this lot was being reduced. Bremer stated the fact <br />that there is a two-car garage on this lot would help persuade her to allow a smaller shed, like a 10' by 10' <br />shed, with all the other reductions proposed by the applicant. <br />Bremer stated the Planning Commission has approved houses in the past without a front sidewalk and <br />without concrete landings, which is the right of the property owner, and that the Planning Commission <br />should assume that this property owner will remove the sidewalk and comply with what she is proposing. <br />Bremer inquired whether Staff is opposed to swapping non-structural hardcover with structural coverage. <br />Gaffron stated the City has adopted two resolutions in the past few years, with the Council finding it <br />beneficial to make a distinction between the removal of plastic and landscape fabric as opposed to other <br />hardcover. The Council found that plastic and landscape fabric was not to be used as a trade-off for a <br />hardcover reduction. <br />Gaffron stated sidewalks and concrete pads typically do not require a permit and that perhaps those items <br />should have been included in the resolution. <br />Bremer inquired whether there is anything that prevents a property owner from not having a concrete <br />walkway leading to their front door. <br />Chapman stated they currently have a relatively wide concrete walkway and that they would prefer a <br />more natural looking walkway. Chapman stated there also is a concrete landing by the front door. <br />Chapman indicated it was their intent from the time they purchased this lot to replace the concrete <br />walkway with something more natural. <br />Bremer noted the concrete landing would be required. <br />PAGE 15