11-13-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Or THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 13, 2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. (9. #06 -3240 CITY OF ORONO ZONE CODE SECTION 78 -1— DEFINITIONS OF "BASEMENT" AND "STORY" ZONING CODE AMENDMENT, Con.tiniceil) building code. Gaffron stated if half of the home is located below grade, it should be considered a basement and if half of it is located above grade, it should be considered a story. Schoenzeit agreed that the City should have good definitions of what a story is and what a basement is but that the impact of this ordinance on smaller homes should be taken into consideration. Schoenzeit requested some accommodation be made for the smaller homes. McMillan stated if Mr. Schoenzeit's basement is considered a story because it is more a walk -out, he would lose the potential of adding a story. McMillan stated this ordinance could also potentially limit the expandability of her house. Schoenzeit stated there . are sections in the ordinance that would have huge impacts on the smaller houses. McMillan inquired whether the 50 percent is contained in the building codes. Gaffron stated it is. Gaffron stated the majority of the plans that have come before the City in the past few months do not meet the current code. Gaffrons suggested Staff look at the impact this ordinance would have on a smaller house and perhaps draft a different standard that could be drafted for the smaller - sized residence. Brokl pointed out there is a big difference in the City's regulations for new construction versus remodel. Gaffron stated based on the way Staff is dealing with it today, people can put the foundation two feet deeper into the ground to meet the City's ordinance. Gaffron stated Staff would like to measure from the floor above and measure down. White stated he would like to know what the ramifications of this ordinance amendment are for the smaller sized homes. McMillan inquired what the ramification would be to a house that is not located on the lake. Gaffron stated the issues would be the same and that the ordinance is attempting to limit massing on a lot. Murphy proposed the ordinance amendment be tabled and discussed in a work session. Gaffron stated there are two or three items on next week's Planning Commission meeting that are out of compliance with the City's current policy but would be in compliance with this ordinance. Schoenzeit stated inclusion of a definition of walkout might also help. Gaffron stated a walkout versus a lookout is a major issue. McMillan inquired whether two and a half stories are the inaximum. Gaffron stated that is correct. PAGE 12 of 15