11-20-2000 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,November 20, 2000 (#2631 ZONING CODE AMENDMENT,Continued) • Gaffron stated the purpose of this zoning code amendment is to allow the City to meet some of its housing goals that are documented in the City's Comprehensive Plan for higher density housing in specified areas of the City. The revised draft of the ordinance does incorporate some of the suggestions and standards that were outlined in the October 10 memorandum as it relates to architectural standards and landscaping. It also incorporates standards that apply both to single family detached housing and to attached multi-family housing units. Gaffron stated the amendment has standards in place for single family detached that generally reflect a one-third of an acre lot size, lot width of 90 feet, lot depth of 125 feet,with appropriate setbacks. The amendment also addresses issues relating to accessory structures and parking within the RPUD District. Also contained within the ordinance are sections relating to attached dwelling units. Gaffron stated an addition to those standards for an attached dwelling unit are standards relating to landscaping and architectural standards that relate to both single family and attached dwelling units. Gaffron noted this ordinance does not incorporate a height requirement or a height restriction. Gaffron stated Staff has omitted that because the intent of the ordinance is to create options and opportunities for housing types that do not currently exist within Orono. Gaffron stated currently all of Orono's districts have a height limit of 30 feet or two and a half stories. In order to meet higher density housing, it may be necessary to construct buildings that are three stories, which would result in the structure exceeding the 30 foot height restriction. Gaffron indicated the Orono Amber application, which is to be reviewed tonight by the Planning Commission, is in fact a three story situation, and has an average height of about 38 feet,with some portions of the building being 48 feet in height and some facades at 50 feet. • Gaffron stated the City has a choice of incorporating a height standard into this ordinance or omitting that language and incorporating some guidelines that could be used for construction of this type. Gaffron stated the City may also want to review why the City has height restrictions in place. Gaffron noted the City has height restrictions to limit the visual impact to the surrounding neighborhood,to maintain the light air and open space enjoyed by that site and the adjoining properties, and to stay within the limitations of local fire fighting capabilities. Gaffron commented most multi-family dwelling units will be located within areas that contain sewer and water along with a requirement that the units contain a sprinkler system. Gaffron stated there could be some other reasons for wanting to limit height of a structure in a particular area. Without a height standard,the developer would have an opportunity to demonstrate to the City why that height should allowed. Gaffron commented this is a PUD ordinance,which is creating a zoning district that can only be zoned by having a PUD process, which takes a 4/5's vote to change any property to the RPUD District. Gaffron stated if the Planning Commission wishes to discuss the ordinance in more detail,he would be willing to answer any questions they may have on it. Staff is recommending approval of this zoning code amendment. Gaffron stated in his view this ordinance allows the City on an • PAGE 20