Laserfiche WebLink
` MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> • Monday,August 15,2011 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> their property. The lot has lake on both sides and has a very sma1175-250 foot zone. Hardcover <br /> variances are necessary in order to do as they propose. <br /> The applicants have proposed to remove the side-load garage doors and move the doors to the south side <br /> for an end-load garage. This will allow them to change the driveway so that they do not need to utilize <br /> the neighboring property for access. They are requesting to increase hardcover by 127 square feet in the <br /> southwest 0-75 foot zone,reduce hardcover by 38 square feet in the northeast 0-75 foot zone, and <br /> ' increase hazdcover by 281 square feet in the 75-250 foot zone for a total increase of 307 squaze feet. <br /> Baldur Park Road as it approaches the applicants'property is approxi.mately 12 feet wide. The applicant <br /> is proposing to remove a lazge blacktop area in front of the garage as it is currently oriented. Some of the <br /> blacktop removal is proposed within Puzak's easement,resulting in a 12 foot wide driveway before it <br /> widens out on Puzak's own property in this area. Puzak reviewed the proposed plans and expressed <br /> concem regarding the proposed hardcover removals within the area of his easement and emergency <br /> vehicle access to his property. Mr. Puzak has sent a letter to the City outlining his concerns and that letter <br /> is included in the Planning Commission packet. Staff discussed the issue with Orono's Police,Chief and <br /> he has determined that any width in driveway in excess of 12 feet has no additional emergency access <br /> benefit. <br /> Staff finds due to the current access arrangement and the property's proximity to the lake,practical <br /> di�culties exist. The applicants' plan should be reviewed against what is the minimal increase in <br /> hardcover necessary to alleviate the practical difficulty. The proposed conf'iguration of the new driveway <br /> as it meets the existing driveway in this location should be reviewed such that maneuverability is not <br /> compromised. Staff feels that perhaps the applicants should flare both ends outward to facilitate pulling <br /> into and backing out of the new driveway. Additionally,�it should be noted that by removing all of the <br /> blacktop hardcover as proposed, a sidewalk to the front door from the driveway would be eliminated. <br /> Code requires a minimum two foot wide sidewalk. The applicants should revise their plan to address <br /> both of these issues. As part of this application,the applicants should be required to remove any existing <br /> sidewalk or hardcover encroachment which extends into the property to the northwest. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of hardcover variances in order to reorient the existing driveway. <br /> The applicants should address the need for a sidewalk to the front door,remove encroachments,revise the <br /> curb cut of the driveway, and be required to submit an updated survey reflecting the changes prior to City <br /> Council review. <br /> Thiesse asked if there will be adequate room to turn around in the applicants'driveway. <br /> Curtis stated that should be looked at more closely. The requirement for a side load garage is 15 feet <br /> from a garage door and it may need to be lengthened somewhat to allow for better maneuverability. <br /> Leskinen stated it appears that the end-load garage is cut into the grade and quite a bit of dirt will need to <br /> be removed. Leskinen asked where the dirt will be placed and how that will affect the drainage in the <br /> area. <br /> Curtis indicated there is a retaining wall in the area but that she is not sure where they will be exporting <br /> the material. <br /> Page <br /> 13 � <br />