10/18/1993 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING • HELD OCTOBER 18, 1993 ( #8) #1883 STEVEN M. ENGLUND 3855 CHERRY AVENUE - VARIANCE - PUBLIC HEARING 9:13 P.M. - 9:35 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Englund were present. Gaffron explained this was a lot area variance for determining the buildability of a lot that is 0.37 acre. The Zoning Code requires .5 acre. Although several relatives own neighboring parcels, no additional land is available. The lot is 100' wide and meets that standard. Some drainage improvements have been made. A drainage culvert was installed in consultation with the Public Works Department on the neighboring Anderson property. There are mature trees on the property and it is not a designated wetland according to the maps. The property is in the 250 -500' hardcover zone where 30% hardcover is allowed. The conceptual proposal would not be a problem on this lot. No other variances would be proposed. The property has been assessed for sewer and a well would be required. A 14' alley to the rear would not be necessary to vacate. 15 % lot coverage is allowed. Lot sizes vary in the neighborhood and this lot is not inconsistent with the area. Lindquist asked why Englund had no proposed house plan. Englund responded that he wanted to be sure the lot was buildable before incurring the expense of designing a home. Smith asked how much fill would be required because of the steep bank from the street to the proposed home site. Englund stated he hoped to move as few trees as possible. He would fill only what is necessary from the road to the house and the driveway would be level with the road. Some berming may be necessary. Englund noted that fill required would be approximately 5 -6' in height. A neighbor questioned what was being proposed and expressed concern over previous water problems in this area. Englund confirmed there would be no grading on the back of the lot. He noted an excessive amount of water in the spring that had drained as a result of the culvert installation. Gaffron explained there would be a significant amount of fill for the driveway and yard berming but likely none under the house. If fill comes in piecemeal before the building permit is issued, a conditional use permit would be required. If all fill is brought in at the time of house construction, it can be brought in as part of the building permit. Smith asked if how the fill was brought in could affect the drainage. Gaffron responded that a grading plan would be required before any fill was brought onto the property. 12