01-25-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 25, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 10 10. #15-3795 SOUTHVIEW DESIGN ON BEHALF OF ROBERT AND BETH SCHNELL, 1130 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD SOUTH – VARIANCES (continued) City Planner Curtis stated the applicant is requesting variances in order to construct a pool, pool patio, deck, pergola, and lake access stairs on the south side of the home lakeward of the average lakeshore setback and the 150-foot setback from French Lake. The applicant’s current plan results in a pool patio design which now meets the 75-foot setback at the Planning Commission’s direction. However, a portion of the proposed stair and wall as well as a stepping stone walkway are within the 75-foot area. Stairs are a permitted hardcover encroachment within that zone. A corner of the pool encroaches as close as six feet to the new dining deck that will be extended. A variance to allow less than a 10-foot separation between the structures is needed. Curtis stated the plan results in the need for the following variances: an average lakeshore setback variance, which is based on the property to the north; a lake setback variance to allow structure within the 150-foot setback of French Lake, which is a natural environment lake; the 75-foot zone hardcover variance to permit the stepping stones as shown on the plan; and the structure-to-structure setback variance for the encroachment to the deck. At its January meeting, the Planning Commission voted 5-1 to approve the revised plan. The dissenting commissioner was opposed to the stepping stones. Staff recommends approval of the variances with the exception of the stepping stones. The applicant has submitted an updated survey and updated hardcover numbers. The City Council should direct Staff to draft a resolution reflecting their decision. Tim Johnson, Southview Design, stated they are in the final stages of this project’s review and that some of the questions brought up last week during the Planning Commission meeting were more specifically around the back stepping stones. Johnson indicated it is their understanding the steps are allowed to access the lake area. The stepping stones that are in question are located in the area near the deck by the pool area and the lowest staircase. Johnson noted the stepping stone walkway is not a constructed hardscape walkway per se and no excavation will be performed. The goal is to have a more informal approach with the stepping stones that will be set into the landscape. This will allow moisture and runoff to go into the ground rather than running off. Johnson stated the other option is to have stairs go through the whole area but that they are trying to be sensitive to the current grade. Johnson stated with the plan as it is currently proposed, the steps come down to meet the existing grade, with the stepping stones being at more of a level surface, and then having the staircase as the grade gets too steep to walk on. Johnson stated some of the concerns raised by the Planning Commission were around not having stepping stones and the ground becoming compacted from people walking in that area. McMillan stated she appreciates the changes that have been made from the original plan. Johnson stated this property is a very challenging site with the 75-foot line going through the middle of the house.