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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 15, 2007 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#07-3323 Structures Unlimited on Behalf of Judson Champlin, Continued) height and the applicants are proposing 48 inches. The City Engineer has determined that the retaining wall should be constructed at 48 inches in height. Planning Staff recommends approval of the retaining wall height and location and approval of the other variances with conditions if the Planning Commission determines it appropriate to grant them. In addition, Planning Staff would like the Planning Commission to consider whether there are ways to mitigate the visual and water quality impacts of the variances. For structural reasons the entire structure should be on the same type of foundation. Staff does not have a position on the foundation type variance. The reasons for requiring a perimeter foundation are unclear and only in the recreational season district are perimeter foundations required. Both types of foundation have frost footings. Ross Langhans stated the applicants would like to add some space to accommodate their family. Langhans noted he did work with Staff on upgrading the septic system and that as a result of the work on the septic system, a retaining work is required and they will be submitting the required engineering for the retaining wall. Langhans indicated there were also a large number of trees that were removed in conjunction with the septic system work and the owners would like to retain as many remaining trees as possible. Langhans commented the lot has been cleaned up except for natural debris. Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Kempf closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Kempf asked how high the roof would be. Langhans stated it would be approximately 31 to 32 feet to the peak. Langhans indicated attic trusses would be utilized to help achieve the look of a chalet and to provide some attic space. Kempf commented that the building is located in the 0-75 foot zone and that this project would make it even more prominent from the lake. Kempf stated it is unfortunate this house cannot be pushed further back on the lot and that his recommendation would be to require a fair amount of screening. Langhans indicated the homeowner is willing to work with the City. Turner noted the ordinance requiring the upgrade to the septic system at the point of sale would not go into effect into January 1, 2008. Langhans commented he has spent a considerable amount of time designing an attractive structure rather than adding a second story to the structure. Kempf stated if this were a building starting from scratch, the structure would not be nearly as high and it would be pushed back into the hill away from the lakeside. In looking at the photograph, it appears it would be less prominent from the lake if it were pushed further back from the lakeside. PAGE 13