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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 22,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3086 Philip and Cassandra Ordway,Continued) <br /> Mr. Ordway illustrated for the Planning Commission the topographical features of this lot,noting that <br /> there is a shared driveway that rises 24 feet over the length of the driveway. Ordway stated they are <br /> prevented from moving the driveway due to the top of the bluff restrictions. <br /> Ordway pointed out that their first intent was to design a house that met every city code and ordinance, <br /> but that their surveyor interpreted the language of the top of the bluff law differently from city staff. <br /> Ordway noted the house as originally designed was thought to conform to city codes based on the top of <br /> the bluff interpretation of their surveyor,but that due to the city's interpretation of the top of the bluff <br /> regulation,the house was redesigned. <br /> Ordway stated they have attempted to bring the house into conformity as much as possible and have <br /> relocated it. Ordway stated the current house as designed can fit within the buildable area but that the <br /> driveway would have too steep of a grade. Ordway noted the lot is heavily wooded and that they would <br /> like to preserve as many of the trees as possible in constructing the driveway and residence. <br /> Ordway displayed a computer-generated illustration of the proposed house and the switch back <br /> driveway. Ordway stated in his opinion they have resolved some of the issues since the submission of <br /> the application for the variance. Ordway indicated they would prefer to keep the house located <br /> essentially as proposed on page four but that it could be lowered five additional feet, which would <br /> eliminate the need to have the driveway swerve out to the neighbor's property and also reduce the rise in <br /> grade. Ordway stated the house could also be located to eliminate the encroachment on the side,with <br /> the grade being changed slightly to improve the erosion problem. <br /> Ordway stated they are willing to eliminate the deck and walkout. Ordway stated their proposal would <br /> also improve the drainage on the site by diverting the water to the natural wetland area along the edge of <br /> the driveway prior to it entering the lake. Ordway indicated they would still be required to request a <br /> variance for the driveway. Ordway stated this property is unique since it is located on a point and that <br /> the purpose of the variance process is to deal with lots that are unique. <br /> There were no public comments concerning this application. <br /> Kempf commended the applicants for redesigning their proposal in an effort to address Staffs concerns. <br /> Fritzler inquired whether the lower elevation would be 979 feet by lowering the residence five feet. <br /> Ordway stated the first floor elevation would be 994.88, and a reduction of six feet would make it <br /> 988.88. <br /> Fritzler stated in his opinion lowering the residence does work to everyone's advantage and makes the <br /> driveway more workable. <br /> PAGE 16 <br />