10-15-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 15,2001 (#01-2728 WILLIAM AND LAURA STODDARD,CONTINUED) Gaffron stated the grading on the west-side of the property line will need to be reviewed in order to determine whether the water runoff goes toward the lake. Gaffron noted the drainage arrows on the survey show that the drainage does not follow the natural flow to the lake. Stoddard stated there is an easement in that area, with the elevations for the basement and first floor being the same as the house to the east. Gaffron inquired where the neighbor's house to the west lies in relation to Stoddard's house. Stoddard stated the house to the west is approximately five feet higher and that the drainage from his lot would not run into the neighbor's house. Hawn stated the question before the Planning Commission is whether the boathouse should be included in the hardcover calculations. Mabusth stated the Planning Commission should be consistent on this issue, and inquired whether the current ordinance should be amended. Gaffron stated in his view the ordinance should be amended,and recommended discussing this item in the upcoming work session. Gaffron stated this item needs to be formalized in the ordinance in order for Staff to give firm direction on the policies of the City. Stoddard reiterated there have been examples where the boathouse was not included, citing a house on Casco Point and another house down the road from his residence. Lindquist stated in his opinion the 141 square feet should be removed. Hawn stated the Planning Commission has gone both ways on this issue in the past,but recommended that Stoddard consider reducing the hardcover by 141 square feet. Kluth stated in his opinion if boathouses have not been included in the hardcover calculations in the past, it has been a mistake on the part of the City. Kluth stated until the ordinance is changed, Stoddard is probably entitled to the additional hardcover. Hawn stated in her view the 141 square feet of additional hardcover should be removed even though inclusion of boathouses in hardcover calculations have not been formalized by the City. Stoddard pointed out that inclusion of boathouses in the hardcover calculations is not included in the ordinance. Rahn stated in his view the 141 square feet is relatively minor, and questioned whether there is anyplace on the lot where the hardcover could be reduced further. Stoddard stated one issue not before the Planning Commission tonight is the fact that a mistake has been made on their title and that he actually has one extra foot on the east side. Mabusth stated she would like the existing residence meet the 16-foot setback. PAGE 27