02/19/2008 Planning Commission Minutes

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. � NIINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING Tuesday,February 19,2008 6:00 o'clock p.m. re-graded slope and low walls. These low walls are proposed to have significant vegetative screening, which will reduce the visual appearance of the stair system and create a more natural looking slope from ` the lake. The applicants are requesting the following: 1. A conditional use permit in order to replace a wooden stair system with low walls,vegetation, • re-grading the slope and the installation of a limestone stair system. 2. A hardcover variance is also requested due to the change in the hardcover percentage proposed. The proposed increase is from 4.8 percent to 8.8 percent within the 0-75 foot zone. Staff recommends the following conditions if the Plaruiing Commission finds the request reasonable: 1. The crushed rock landing must be unlined. 2. The proposed walls must be screened year-round with vegetation. 3. Walls are to be constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications provided. 4. Landscape plan to be implemented in accordance with the plans and specifications provided. 5. Double,heavy-duty silt fence with steel t-posts must be installed along the shoreline throughout the duration of the construction process and remain in place until the slope is stabilized and vegetation is established. 6. The proposed retaining wall shown adjacent to the patio and house must be removed or moved to meet a 5-foot side setback. Kroeger asked whether the existing stairs could be rebuilt in the same location. Gaffron noted that Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission determine whether this work is necessary and reasonable. Kroeger asked whether all of the work is within the 0-75 foot zone. Gaffron indicated it is. � Kang asked if the new sidewalk would be wider than the existing sidewalk. Teele indicated it is the same width. The primary reason for the variance is not just due to the current unsafe railroad ties but also to the steepness of the slope and the fact that there currently is no landing. Teele indicated it may be necessary to extend the stairway closer to the lake in order to increase the rise of the stairs if the stairway is rebuilt in its current configuration. The maj ority of the increase in hardcover is a result of a retaining wall and crushed rock landing in the middle of the slope and the actual stairs only account for a very small increase in the hardcover. Teele noted that four steps are being added. PAGE 8