10-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 26, 1998 • (Little Orchard, Continued) Gaffron stated a potential buyer for Lot 5 has pursued the premise that the boundary of the protected area is wrongly located and should be moved closer to the lakeshore. The Applicant is suggesting that newer, more accurate topography information is available which results in the top of the bluff being located from ten feet to as much as forty feet nearer the shore than depicted in the easement description. Staff suggested that the builder have a new topographic survey created for site planning purposes to more accurately establish house placement, which has been completed. After a review of the newly submitted information, Staff has determined that the new analysis does yield a top of bluff setback line ranging from five feet to nearly forty -five feet nearer the lake than the current easement line. Staff is looking to preserve trees, vegetation, slope and natural topography with the easement. Staff recommends approval of Staffs revised easement description as depicted in Exhibit C, which is more accurate than the current description. Dan Anderson stated it is their goal to leave the natural topography of the land intact as much as possible, noting they would like to construct a residence on top of the knoll which is an ideal spot for a house and follows the natural contour of the land. Anderson stated they are attempting to keep the houses within the height restrictions as well. Kyle Hunt, Builder, stated the new topographic information shows the top of bluff setback in a slightly different location as the previous one, and requested the City Council consider the new information and allow for a new top of bluff setback. Hunt commented it is their intention to work as much as possible with the natural contours of the land and to avoid the need for extensive excavation. Mayor Jabbour inquired why Gaffron changed the top of bluff line. G.-`1'ron stated with the new topographic information available, it depicted slopes that exceed 10' percent, which changed the top of bluff line. Ted Kemna, Schoell & Madson, stated he has spent time working with Gaffron to understand the top of bluff ordinance. Kemna stated their goals were to keep the height of the house down as much as possible and as close to the lake which will provide a better driveway access coming in off the street. Kemna stated they are planning a circle drive for this property. Kemna remarked the difference between Gaffron's top of bluff line and his amounts to approximately a foot difference in elevation and four or five feet difference from the lake, which will allow the walkout to sit in more closely with the natural contours of the land. Dan Anderson commented the four to five feet distance adds no value to the residence but • would aid in their efforts to keep the height elevation of the residence lower. 19