06-28-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 28, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. (10. #04 -3024 CITY OF ORONO, ZONING AMENDMENTS, Continued) b) LARGE VEHICLE STORAGE Gaffron explained that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on whether it might be appropriate to amend the Ordinance regarding storage of large vehicles, with regards to lots of area 2 — 4.99 acres with pre- existing large vehicle storage situations. Mrs. Timm was present at the hearing and spoke regarding her plight. Gaffron stated that staff concurs with the Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation that the ordinance remain as is and not be amended, nor `grand- fathering' allowed, since impacts of large vehicles on 2 acre lots can be more than just visual. Sansevere questioned if the Timms had determined whether they might be able to move their driveway to the other side of their property. Gaffron stated that they have concluded that moving the driveway to the other side would not work; however, the Timms are considering putting in a parallel driveway on their property next to the existing one. Although he did believe many others were impacted by this new ordinance, Sansevere stated that he would prefer to grandfather some of these situations or consider them on a case -by -case basis. He was uncomfortable forcing these people with a pre - existing condition out of business with the new ordinance. He feared that the City was going out of its way to eliminate its working class people with this hasty ordinance. Gaffron pointed out that other concerns exist. White agreed that he was compelled to look at these situations on a case -by -case basis, since the City would be virtually eliminating this resident's way of living. While the neighbor has expressed his desire to pave the existing shared driveway, Sansevere noted that he had been hesitant to do so with the large vehicle traversing it. He reiterated that the Timm's situation and similar cases should be examined on a case -by -case basis and repeated the need for them to obtain driveway access on their own property. In order to be considerate neighbors, Sansevere recognized the need for the Timms to park their truck on the other side of their property. Gaffron stated that the City could give consideration to whether to make this a conditional use on properties under 5 acres. Moorse stated that this would have to be a condition afforded only pre- existing uses. He pointed out that, beyond visual, the noise and odors were the key issues. Gaffron pointed out that he could not support grandfathering, nor policing these exceptions. McMillan stated that she could see where each party was coming from with this situation and asked if this was a common ordinance. She observed that, as the rural character clashes with the newly suburban mix in Orono, the City will continue to struggle with these types of issues. PAGE 16 of 19 •