Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANI�TING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> March 16,2009 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Turner stated a detached garage consisting of 208 square feet could be constructed between the house and <br /> the street without any hardcover removals. Turner pointed out that this neighborhood does not have any <br /> other garages located in the front yard and that all the garages in the area are attached. <br /> Turner noted the existing grades next to the residence in the front and sides are too high in that there is <br /> not the required separation between earth and siding. This will require changes to the grading plan. <br /> Staff does not recommend approval of the portion of the variance for existing hardcover. If the <br /> Commission finds a hardship exists to justify the proposed addition and/or terrace, Staff would <br /> recommend approval of a hardcover variance but with some reduction to existing hardcover and provision <br /> of a rain garden or permeable paving. If the Commission would like to see a rain garden incorporated <br /> into the applicanYs plans,the item should be tabled to allow the grading plan to be revised. <br /> Kempf asked whether any of the data contained in Staff's report has changed. <br /> Turner indicated the recommendations of the City Engineer were added to the report but that there were <br /> no other changes. <br /> Jacobson stated he had been retained by the applicants to construct an addition to the second story and <br /> that as the project progressed,they became aware of the hardcover and grading issues. Jacobson <br /> indicated it is possible to construct a two-car garage in front of the house without a hardcover variance, <br /> but that the garage would not be aesthetically pleasing from the street and that the neighbors prefer the <br /> proposed location. <br /> Jacobson stated they suggested the rain garden as a means of accommodating a good portion of the runoff <br /> from the driveway. Jacobson indicated the applicants' current driveway experiences runoff in the warmer <br /> months and ice build-up in the colder months and that in their opinion the rain garden would allow them <br /> to better control the runoff in the area near the street. <br /> Greg Hayhurst stated the tiered retaining walls closest to the lake collapsed shortly after they purchased <br /> the property and that they replaced them with boulder walls. One patio was also replaced due to water <br /> issues with the French drain and the other patio was also constructed to help with the water issues near the <br /> house. Hayhurst indicated they are attempting to correct a water problem with the current application. <br /> Hayhurst stated the garage could be located in the front yard,which would require the removal of a tree, <br /> or they could construct a two-car garage in the proposed location. The neighbors would prefer the garage <br /> not be constructed in the front yard. Hayhurst indicated they would also be removing a sidewalk to help <br /> reduce the hardcover. <br /> Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 6:22 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments concerning this application. <br /> Chair Kempf closed the public hearing at 6:22 p.m: <br /> Bennett asked whether there would still be drainage issues if the rain garden is not constructed in <br /> conjunction with the garage. <br /> ' PAGE 2 <br />