01-17-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday,January 17, 2001 (#2648 Peter and Nicole Thomas, Continued) 75-250' setback area, which will add 85 square feet of hardcover for a total of 25.4 percent, while the rest of the improvements are within the 0-75' setback area and will increase the hardcover in this area by 42.84 square feet. Bottenberg stated the 1980 Comprehensive Plan contains a number of general land use and environmental protection goals and policies with which the proposed land alteration would be consistent. Without the retaining walls, erosion or freezing would be a problem. The City Engineer has not reviewed the proposed retaining wall layout from an engineering standpoint because the Applicants are not adding but merely replacing existing retaining walls. A wall higher than four feet must be engineered and approved by the City's engineer and Building Official. Bottenberg stated since these walls are not four feet or higher, review and approval by the City Engineer is not necessary. The Applicants will be required to submit detailed plans prior to issuance of a building permit. City Staff recommends approval of the variances. Thomas stated this residence was originally constructed in 1929, with the previous owners doing extensive remodeling of the house. Thomas indicated he would now like to do a number of improvements to repair the existing retaining walls and will not be adding anything new to the property. There were no public comments relating to this application. Bellows commended the Applicant for submitting very detailed plans showing the work to be undertaken. Bellows stated in her view the work proposed is reasonable and she does not have a problem with the application. Mabusth stated she is familiar with the property and the improvements are definitely needed due to the deterioration of the retaining walls and steps. Bellows moved, Kluth seconded, to recommend approval of Application #2648, Peter and Nicole Thomas, 1385 Orono Lane, granting of a variance for land alterations within 75 feet of the shoreline, a hardcover variance, and a conditional use permit for land alteration to permit the repair of several retaining walls and steps on the property, per the recommendations of City Staff contained in the Planner's Report dated January 12, 2001. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (#10) #2649 CHARLES LEEKLEY, 1525 LONG LAKE BOULEVARD,VARIANCES, 9:39 p.m.—9:54 p.m. Charles Leekley, Applicant, was present, along with Marie Wendt, Trustee. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. Weinberger stated the Applicant is proposing to replace a one stall detached garage with a PAGE 20