09/18/2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 18,2006 6:00 o'clock p.m. 7. #06-3232 MICHAEL SHARRATT OF SHARRATT DESIGN& COMPANY ON BEIiALF OF MICIiAEL AND MARY DRAZAN,3546 IVY PLACE,VARIANCE,8:32-9:22 P.M. Michael Sharratt,Architect,and Michael and Mary Drazan,Applicants,were present. Curtis stated the applicants are requesting a conditional use pernut for fill in excess of 500 cubic yards and 0-75 foot and 75-250 foot hardcover variances to allow 7.1 percent where 0 percent is normally allowed and 13.9 currently exists and 32.5 percent where 25 percent is normally allowed and 35 percent currently exists in order to build a new single family residence on a property. The applicants are proposing a driveway that will function as a parking area as well as access to the property. I�y Place is quite narrow and does not allow for any guest parking or turn around. Planning Staff recommends approval of some level of hardcover variance as the Planning Commission determines appropriate. The proposed home must meet the 30-foot and 2.5 story height limitations. Curtis noted the survey she received today from the applicant was in e-mail form and was not to scale. Mary Drazan distributed a revised survey to the Planning Commission. Mary Drazan stated they attempted to educate themselves through this process on how to comply as best as possible with the City's codes and thanked Melanie Curtis for her assistance. Drazan stated they would like to construct a house that fits in with the neighborhood and complies with the City's 15 percent structural coverage limit and setback regulations. Drazan stated they have spoken with Ted Capra,their neighbor, about doing a joint swale along the mutual property line,which he is in agreement with. Drazan stated one issue they have had to deal with is that Ivy Place is a very narrow street that ends at the lake,which does not allow on-street parking. Drazan stated if two cars are parked opposite each other on the street, a car is not able to traverse down the street,which necessitates off street parking. Bremer opened the public hearing at 8:43 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Bremer closed the public hearing at 8:43 p.m. Drazan indicated she would prefer not to construct as high of a retaining wall as being propos�d and that they have revised their grading plan to address the City Engineer's comments. Drazan stated the existing retaining wall is approximately four to five blocks high. Michael Drazan indicated they would prefer to save the trees and not construct a retaining wall in that area. Drazan stated they are attempting to make the grading work without the need to construct a retaining wall. PAGE 19