03/19/2012 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,March 19,2012 6:30 o'clock p.m. grading purposes and to assure accommodation for varying shapes of potential 1,500 square foot home footprints. The plan involves primarily moving existing site material around rather than importing/exporting a significant amount of material. There will be tree removal in the pond/swale area as well. The City Engineer has reviewed the grading plans and generally approves. The City has completed the necessary design work and permitting through the MCWD for the City's portion of the project and will proceed with the stormwater improvements in Maple Place once the project receives City Council approval. The subject property is identified in Orono's Surface Water Management Plan as being located within a drainage area,which is a sub-part of the North Arm drainage area. Because this property is at the low point of the neighborhood drainage area, stormwater facilities would be appropriately located within these properties to serve the neighborhood and the subject properties. Ideally,a storm water pond would be constructed that would then be piped to the north where it would discharge near the right-of-way upon which Sandy Beach is located. The sizing of a pond was determined by the City's and the applicant's engineers to address the drainage area needs and the potential impact, if any, on development of these properties. As it relates to the conditional use permit analysis,the applicant will be required to adhere to the City's erosion control regulations as well as the permitting requirements of the MCWD. In addition,timely re- vegetation and stabilization will be a requirement of the permitting process. Staff finds that the proposed use is consistent with the community management plan and the property will be adequately served by roads, police and fire services as well as city sewer. The properties will be served by private water supply wells. The applicant will be required to provide a financial security to guarantee satisfactory completion of the project and the proposed project is intended to improve the stormwater management in the area. The Planning Staff recommends approval of the CUP in conjunction with adherence to the conditions outlined by the City Engineer, Staff, and Planning Commission. Landgraver asked if there is any major differenee from what was previously received and reviewed. Curtis stated there are no major changes to the plan. Curtis pointed out there is now a small retaining wall being proposed and that they have removed the 10-foot retaining wall channel. Todd Holmers,Applicant,asked if the Planning Commissioners have any questions regarding his proposal. Schoenzeit asked if the 1,500 square foot building pads are acceptable. Holmers indicated with the second level and an unfinished basement,the homes will have approximately 2,200 square feet of finished space. The homes will be cottage style and should fit into the neighborhood. Schoenzeit asked when they will get started moving dirt. Holmers indicated they will get started as soon as they are allowed � Page 5