05-09-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 9, 2005 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #05 -3107 Scott Bissen and Michelle Morey, Continued) Nute indicated two weeks. Murphy inquired what would happen if the stairway is constructed and the residence is not. Curtis stated a new stairway would be safer. Nute stated they constructed the stairway on the property to the south recently, which is similar to what is being proposed here, and that they would like to remove the existing deteriorated staircase and replace it with something that is attractive and safe. McMillan inquired whether the same amount of boulders would be utilized as on the property to the south. Nute indicated the amount of boulders would be less, and that once the plantings are established, a smaller amount of rock would be exposed. Peterson noted a lot width variance has not been granted yet with this application. • Gaffron stated this lot is slightly under the 80 percent standard and that technically a lot width variance is • required, which was not noticed by Staff until recently. Gaffron stated the lot area and the lot width are compliant except for down by the lakeshore. Gaffron stated that variance would need to go through the normal process as an amendment to this application. Barrett stated he is in agreement with Gaffron, noting that the applicant did rely on the information that Staff originally thought was correct. Barrett stated the Council could require a letter of credit to insure that the project be completed. Gaffron stated Staff did not review the dimensions of the lot until recently to verify that it met the 80 percent, which is usually done at the time a building permit is applied for. Bissen indicated he has already paid the contractor 50 percent down to complete the work down by the lakeshore and that he was unaware of the condition in the resolution until today. Murphy stated if construction is not anticipated to be started until the end of June, the house probably would not be framed until August sometime. Murphy inquired what would happen if the stairway is constructed and the residence is not built. Gaffron stated if the work by the lakeshore is completed and the residence is not constructed and the property is sold, there would be a new stairway replacing an unsafe stairway, which would possibly improve the value of the property. Barrett stated a disadvantage to granting the building permit is that it might promote improvements to the is property without a principal residence on the lot just to improve the value of the property for resale. PAGE 18