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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> • Tuesday,February 21,2012 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gaffron noted the other significant impact with the code amendment has to do with Big Island. There are <br /> a number of lots on Big Island that are smaller than the five acre standard. Back in 1983,the City looked <br /> at Big Island and established the concept of record lots consisting of individual existing lots in single <br /> ownership as well as groups of lots in common ownership,designating each group as a single record lot. <br /> A total of 69 record lots were identified, consisting of some 170 individual tax parcels. The record lots <br /> were further designated based on size as subdividable,conforming, substandard buildable, and <br /> substandard unbuildable. The intent was to recognize the limitations of providing services to Big Island <br /> necessary to support development and to limit future development consistent with that minimal level of <br /> services <br /> A majority of the record lot owners agreed via lot area variance resolutions,which were then filed against <br /> the property titles,functioning similar to a special lot combination agreement. In some cases,however, <br /> where owners did not agree to the variance conditions, individual lots were never granted the variance <br /> and were never combined in any manner. These record lots are at risk of being sold off as individual <br /> parcels and would be subject to the new statute,making individual lots buildable in complete conflict <br /> with the intent of Orono's 1983 regulations. Gaffron reiterated that the City is required to comply with <br /> the statutes. <br /> Gaffron noted the attached table included in the Commission's packet shows the lots that have not been <br /> combined. There are approximately a dozen parcels that have not been combined at the present time. <br /> The City Attorney has reviewed the code amendment,and it is Staffls recommendation to forward the <br /> code amendment to the City Council. Gaffron noted a public hearing is required. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if the lack of attendance at tonight's meeting regarding this application would impact the <br /> code amendment in any way. <br /> Gaffron stated since this code amendment does not specifically impact a particular property other than to <br /> match the state statutes,the City does not have a requirement to send notice to every property owner that <br /> is potentially impacted. Gaffron indicated notice was published in the newspaper of the code amendment, <br /> which meets the City's legal obligation as it relates to notifying the public of a code amendment. <br /> Schoenzeit noted the City does not have a choice in this matter and is required to follow state statute. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if the 1,500 square foot building envelope would apply to these lots. <br /> Gaffron indicated they would still have to meet the setback standards and structural coverage standards in <br /> addition to the hardcover standards. Gaffron noted the 1,500 square feet is a m�imum and it is not a <br /> right when you require other variances in order to construct on the property. <br /> Thiesse asked what size lot would typically be required to meet the septic requirements. <br /> Gaffron indicated it would likely have to be an acre in size. Gaffron noted holding tanks would not be <br /> allowed on Big Island. <br /> Leskinen noted a primary and a secondary septic site would also be required. <br /> Gaffron stated it is unlikely that most of the lots on Big Island would be able to comply with that <br /> requirement. <br /> Page <br /> 13 <br />