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 6 of 10 10. #15-3795 SOUTHVIEW DESIGN ON BEHALF OF ROBERT AND BETH SCHNELL, 1130 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD SOUTH – VARIANCES (continued) McMillan stated the City has historically been very strict in the 0-75 foot zone, and while stepping stones may not seem to be that big of a deal, the City has been very consistent about not allowing them if they are really not needed. Johnson stated if they extend the staircase out, they would be looking at an additional 90 square feet of hardcover versus 50 square feet for the stepping stones. Johnson stated they understand and appreciate the sensitivity of having hardcover within the 75-foot area but that they are attempting to create a safe path so people do not have to walk on uneven ground and without increasing the amount of hardcover even more. Johnson noted the updated survey shows the hardcover at 4.09 percent in that area and that the impact is pretty minimal and is not what someone normally sees around the area. Walsh asked if they can really put stairs through that area. Curtis indicated they would be able to modify the grade by less than 50 cubic yards within the 75-foot setback and construct a stair to achieve access to the lake. McMillan noted there is not open water down there and that the stairs are to access the back yard. Walsh commented that it seems like a reasonable solution. Johnson stated if stairs are put in there, the grade would need to be modified significantly and that they would have to bring in a fair amount of fill. Walsh stated the City is pretty tough on the 75-foot zone but that this seems like a pretty good solution. Council Member Levang asked how big the stair section near the water is. Johnson indicated it is approximately 20 square feet consisting of five stairs. Levang asked if that area is pretty steep. Johnson stated they are looking at a 2.5 foot grade change in that area. The goal with the stepping stones leading up to the pool and the other area was to keep the existing grades. Johnson stated the ground becomes relatively steep in a short distance. Johnson noted they are also following the grade of the house to avoid filling in that area. Levang stated she is not opposed to grass being there. McMillan commented it might be difficult to grow grass in that area. Johnson stated the stepping stones are located in a landscaped area and that their goal is to use more native materials versus turf. McMillan stated she always thinks of stepping stones as being in moss or grass and set in ground cover.