05/16/2011 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING CONIlVIISSION MEETING Monday,May 16,2011 6:30 o'clock p.m. Schoenzeit stated he would not require a minimum size on the property or a maximum percentage of the acreage either. Schwingler asked for clarification on what Chair Schoenzeit is referring to. Schwingler noted currently the City has a minimum 10 acre requirement to have a garden without a stntcture. Schwingler asked if Chair Schoenzeit is saying that you do not need to have a minimum size lot in order to have a garden. Schoenzeit indicated as long as they meet the setback for that zone,there should not be a size requirement. Curtis asked whether he is referring to a 10-foot setback in general or a 10-foot setback for that particular zoning district. . . . Schoenzeit noted if there is a principal structure setback in that particular zone,whatever zone the garden is in,it would need to meet that setback. Schoenzeit stated if it is in a 2-acre zone,the garden would need to meet the 30-foot structural setback. Schoenzeit asked what zone the proposed garden is located in. Curtis indicated it is in the 2-acre RR-1 district,which would require a 50-foot front and rear setback and a 30-foot side setback. Schoenzeit asked if they would still be able to have a 100'x 100'plot in there if they met those setbacks. Curtis stated she would like to avoid discussing this particular donation garden but that there is probably enough area to accommodate a 100'x 100'garden. Curtis indicated she is not sure whether that would � accommodate the helicopter pad,the parking, and�he garden. • Schoenzeit commented that the Planning Commission does not want to make it so complicated that a survey would be required to plant a garden. . Levang commented there are also elements of the topography that would come into play on where a garden could be located. Levang suggested the Planning Commission consider a 10-foot setback and that they have to allow the person to pick the spot that is the most conducive to their garden. Schoenzeit noted the Planning Commission has an obligation to the neighbors to ensure that the activities associated with the garden are copacetic. Schoenzeit commented that a community/donation garden is a wonderful idea but that the Planning Commission has responsibility to the adjoining properties. Alexander stated a 10-foot setback from all property lines is reasonable. Curtis indicated she would like a show of hands or some kind of indication on how each commissioner stands on each of these issues so she will be�able to provide a clear understanding on each of these points to the City Council. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that a 10-foot setback from all property lines should be required. Page 11