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NIINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 21,2009 <br /> � 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> 3. Considering the setback variance and the resulting/proposed 22 feet separation between the <br /> proposed covered porch and the neighboring home is the proposed access to light,air, and open <br /> space reasonable? <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the setback variances,including approving the illegal deck,but <br /> continues to feel that there is too much hardcover proposed. <br /> Morris stated the biggest issue is the fact that many of the landscaping areas help with the drainage and <br /> water runoff. The rock area adjacent to the home serves as a collection area and helps to keep the water <br /> from entering the residence. By utilizing the existing system consisting of the pond and the piping,they <br /> are able to divert the water away from the residence. <br /> The main home also consists of multiple structures as well as a detached garage,which necessitates the <br /> need for walkways to each of the structures and results in higher hardcover. Morris noted this layout has <br /> existed since the early 1950s. They have attempted to reduce the size of the patios and combine <br /> walkways in an effort to reduce hardcover. The hardcover has been reduced to 34.8 percent. <br /> Acting Chair Kang opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Acting Chair Kang closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> Kang concurred that there are a number of different walkways and that the lot does have a considerable <br /> amount of hardcover. Kang noted she does appreciate the steps being taken by the applicants to reduce <br /> the hardcover. <br /> Kempf indicated he is in agreement with the comments of Commissioner Kang and that the applicant is <br /> going in the right direction by reducing the hardcover. Kempf stated the large gravel parking area near <br /> the stxeet and the hardcover near the alley offers a fair amount of parking and that those areas could <br /> perhaps be reduced. <br /> Kempf stated the water from the back of the lot is diverted to two drainage areas and then to the lake or <br /> across the gravel parking area. Kempf stated in his view the gravel area is an ideal spot for pervious <br /> pavers with a two foot reservoir below it. <br /> Kang asked whether there are other areas that could be constructed out of pervious pavers. <br /> Curtis indicated that in her view there are other areas that could utilize pervious pavers but that she is not <br /> an engineer and would need to get the input of the City Engineer prior to recommending specific areas. <br /> Kempf recommended the use of pervious pavers be explored further by the applicants. <br /> Leskinen asked whether the landscaping plan depicts what will remain. <br /> Morris stated the landscaping plan does depict what will be constructed and/or removed. <br /> Leesa Anderson noted they have not depicted every hardcover area on the landscape plan. <br /> Page 4 <br />