05-04-2007 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 14, 2007 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #07 -3284 Sharatt Design/Michael Sharratt, Continued) This home was constructed without variances and based on a plan for maximum home footprint and conforming hardcover. The footprint of the home itself consists of 20.5 percent hardcover within the 75- 250 foot zone. Staff finds that although the current owners are proposing a net reduction in overall hardcover, the hardcover on the property today exceeds the levels previously approved. In summary, Planning Staff recommends denial of the hardcover variances as requested. The conditional use permit for the rain garden requires submittal and review of additional information; however, Staff generally supports the rain garden proposal. McMillan inquired where the garage is located. Curtis stated the garage is located under the home. Curtis stated the applicant is proposing to construct some rain gardens as well in an effort to offset the hardcover. Sharratt stated they have a problem with drainage on the one side of the property and that they will be adding some rain gardens to help with the drainage. Sharratt stated what they are proposing is more environmentally friendly than what currently exists. is Sharratt illustrated the existing driveway and noted that there is a possible trench that exists that goes to the rear of the property. Sharratt indicated they would like to perhaps do a camera inspection of that pipe • to determine its condition. Rahn noted this lot consists of 44,670 square feet and that he is not in favor of making the lot nonconforming. Curtis noted this lot is nonconforming due to some illegally added hardcover. Sharratt stated they did already remove some hardcover and their proposal makes a five percent reduction in the total hardcover on the lot and makes a 24.8 percent improvement in hardcover with the proposed driveway. Curtis stated the numbers she has are based on the most recent plan and that the overall hardcover has been reduced by about 1026 square feet. Bremer inquired how much hardcover was approved. Sharratt stated the Ritchies have inherited this situation and they did not create it. The property owners are attempting to improve the situation. Curtis stated they would be 304 square feet over what is allowed for the entire lot. Sharratt stated currently this property is over the approved hardcover by approximately 1,300 square feet and that their proposal reduces it down to 304 square feet. Murphy agreed that the property owners inherited this situation and that the Council is faced with requiring this property to comply with what was originally approved with no improvements or allowing the pool and getting some improvements. PAGE 24.