08-11-2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 11, 2008 7:00 o'clock p.m. (3. #08 -3372 CITY OF ORONO CODE"ENDMENT, Continued) Rahn stated he would like to see the ordinances that are drafted by the City be kept simple and easy to understand. As it relates to the language contained in Item (a), Rahn recommended that language be incorporated into the ordinance requiring a survey with expansion of the footprint rather than iequiring" surveys with every construction permit obtained. Rahn stated in his view, under the current language in the ordinance, the average resident will conclude that three surveys are required, which isn't necessarily ". the case, particularly in applications for reroofing or siding. Rahn recommended the language be changed to read: The application for a construction permit that increases the structural coverage and/or footprint on the property will require the following. Turner noted a survey would need to be required if there is a second story added to ensure that they are complying with the setbacks. Rahn stated in his opinion less than 30 percent of the applications would require all three surveys and suggested that language relating to expansion of the footprint be incorporated into the ordinance. Rahn suggested sitting down with the building official to discuss this. Mattick asked whether the issue is with impervious surface and whether adding a cantilever would increase the footprint. Rahn stated anything that increases the 1 size of the structure could trigger the requirement for the three AD surveys. Mattick asked whether language that states all construction permits that increase impervious surface should be added. Turner stated that would not work on construction that goes up rather .than out. Gaffron stated the general construction permits for roofing and mechanical are easy exemptions but that the situation becomes more complicated when a homeowner wishes to add a deck, replace a deck, or other type of structure or hardcover. Gaffron recommended Staff look at revising the language to deal . with those types of situations. Rahn stated to have language that is all - inclusive is not necessary and that a lot of this will then be left up to the discretion of the building inspector. Rahn stated anything that expands the three- dimensional size. of the building could trigger it. Turner stated Staff could specify an example of something that would not require the three surveys, such as reroofing or siding. As it relates to accessory structures, there has been a policy that in some situations new surveys are not required if there is an adequate survey available. Turner suggested Staff revise the language and then have Council Member Rahn review it•prior to bringing it back before the Council. Murphy concurred that the ordinance be kept simple and specify exactly what type of applications will • require the surveys. PAGE 4