06-17-1991 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD JUNE 17, 1991 ( #2)ZONING FILE #1504 -ROOD CONTINUED Kelley suggested that the Planning Commission focus only on • the application before them. He stated that, in his opinion, he would like to see the area behind Mr. Rood's home cleaned up, and that is what Mr. Rood is attempting to do. He asked Gaffron if the City Engineer has reviewed Mr. Rood's plans. Gaffron replied, "The City Engineer has reviewed and approved the plans for the excavation and pond. With regard to the retaining walls, I've not received anything written or verbal from the City Engineer. However, the retaining walls will only have a height of 3h feet, which is fairly insignificant." Kelley polled the Planning Commission for their opinion regarding the Conditional Use Permit and Variance for the pond. Cohen stated that he would give a favorable recommendation for the Conditional Use Permit and Variance. Bellows stated that she had originally been in favor of Mr. Rood's proposal, but now cannot separate the issue of the excavation, pond, and retaining wall project, from the pillars and hedge project. Kelley asked Bellows how she would view the project if Mr. Rood was required to keep the height of the pillars at 3h feet. Bellows replied, "I am trying to say that I am leery of the project. It seems to me that we are not being told what is 40 actually going on out on this property. In my opinion, we should put some very tight restrictions on this, if it is the Planning Commission's consensus to recommend approval. Conceptually, I agree with Mr. Rood that clean up of this property is necessary. However, I think there are real problems with the way this is being approached." Kelley asked Bellows if she would prefer to review these issues in stages. Mr. Rood indicated that he had tried to present his plans in stages from the beginning, but was told to bring everything in at once. He said, "When I first started constructing the pillars, the City Building Inspector informed me that the structures could not exceed 3h feet. I asked him if there were any height restrictions for the pillars I intended to place along the rear and side of my property. He informed me that pillars along the side and rear could be six feet tall. I constructed the pillars at a five foot height and did not realize I would need permits. This was something new - -the pillars were not classified as a fence, and did not fall under any other category. I have not done anything with the pillars for some time because I wanted to wait until the final grade is done to be sure that the structures - 4 - 0