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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 18,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3097 Hashem Abukhadra, Continued) <br /> Gaffron stated this issue was discussed with Gronberg. Gaffron stated the City did a wetland inventory in <br /> 1974,which did not include many wetlands that would now be included. The City has established a <br /> moratorium on wetlands, which has been in effect for the past six months. Gaffron stated under the old <br /> ordinance some of those wetland delineations would be allowed as dry buildable. Gaffron stated since <br /> there is a moratorium in effect,this property would be subject to whatever the new regulations are and <br /> that it is likely that area would not be considered dry buildable. <br /> Rahn pointed out this is an environmentally delicate area and questioned whether some of the City's other <br /> codes relating to the environment would apply in this situation,which could impact the building pads. <br /> Gaffron stated the design process that is being reviewed as part of the rural oasis moratorium consists of <br /> looking at the visual impacts of development from across the lake and down the road. That study resulted <br /> in conclusions that the City will require in the future that some buffering be done in these types of <br /> developments to reduce the visual impact of new homes from lakes and/or wetland. <br /> Gaffron stated that study was originally put in place for larger developments but that the Council may <br /> find it beneficial to use the study on smaller developments as well to help preserve some of the rural <br /> characteristics of the area. Gaffron stated this property is not under a moratorium for development but <br /> just a moratorium relating to wetlands. <br /> Kempf commented in his opinion it would be beneficial to have a study done on this property. <br /> Abukhadra questioned how this property would visually affect other property owners. <br /> Kempf stated if a two and a half story house is constructed on one of these lots, it would be visible for <br /> miles. <br /> Abukhadra stated the purpose of constructing a house on top of a hill is to get a view of the lake,but that <br /> they are planning to leave the property pretty much as is and are not planning on constructing any houses <br /> in the next few years. <br /> Gronberg stated there are three tax parcels at the present time and that they would like to do some <br /> long-term planning and create one additional lot. <br /> Rahn stated he still has an issue with the setbacks concerning the guesthouse. <br /> Jurgens stated in his opinion the setbacks should be met since this would be considered new construction. <br /> Gundlach stated a setback variance would be needed from Fox Street. <br /> Rahn stated at the time the existing house is redeveloped would be the time to address any <br /> nonconformities. <br /> PAGE 13 <br />