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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMNIISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,Apri115,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis stated the thought at the time was, given the way the properties were developed with the close <br /> setback to the road,the hope was to maintain the 60 feet total between the homes. Staff had questioned <br /> whether the home at 90 Creek Ridge Pass could be relocated to maintain the 60-foot separation. Curtis <br /> stated the Planning Commission could discuss whether that is appropriate or not,but it does not appear it <br /> would have that domino effect. <br /> Dean Johnson,Applicant, stated as they were digging,they hit the pipe and some water started coming in. <br /> Initially they thought they had hit a French drain. The next day the excavator stated it was flowing again <br /> and that was when they realized there were a couple of big boulders on top of the sewer line. Johnson <br /> indicated they had Scott Oberaigner from the City come out and inspect it. Based upon their inspection, it <br /> appeared the line veered and was getting dangerously close to the house. <br /> Following that inspection,they made a trip to city hall and spoke with the City Engineer and Staff. <br /> Johnson stated he told Staff that he did not have a problem with shifting it over to one side. Johnson <br /> indicated he is not a developer and that Staff was telling him that they want a 10-foot setback from the <br /> house. Johnson stated he suggested repositioning the house over,and everyone seemed to think that was <br /> a good plan, so they proceeded with the work. <br /> Johnson stated this subdivision was developed with 30-foot setbacks on both sides. Given the price <br /> range, it is challenging to put a house on those lots of the size that you really want to build. Johnson <br /> stated if they have to take six feet out of the building pad, it would be a challenge. Johnson noted there is <br /> still approximately 54.5 feet between that house and the next one. <br /> There is the additional problem of the creek and the 20-foot setback from the creek. In 2007 or 2008,the <br /> City adopted another 20-foot setback. The way the lot is situated,with the 20-foot setback, it makes the <br /> lot pretty much unbuildable. Johnson indicated they have not developed any house plans for the adjacent <br /> lot at this time but that they may need a variance. <br /> Johnson stated he is hopeful the Planning Commission agrees to this solution and that he does not want to <br /> dig up the whole sewer line and relocate it. <br /> Gaffron stated he concurs with what the applicant has said. The City adopted a wetland ordinance a year <br /> or two after this subdivision was approved. There is no question the next lot is a tight fit. Gaffron stated <br /> in his view the 54 feet versus the 60 feet of separation meets the intent of the subdivision. The original <br /> intent was to have a more urban style neighborhood while preserving a lot of area around the perimeter of <br /> � the subdivision. There are a total of 14 homes on approximately 20 acres. There is also a lot of buildable <br /> area on the other side of the creek that is preserved. Gaffron indicated he is comfortable with this <br /> solution. <br /> Krogness stated she notices the porch is the part that is encroaching, and that she is wondering whether <br /> they plan to do anything as far as screening for the people who will eventually build next door. Krogness <br /> noted they cannot put the porch in the back of the house since there is not enough room. <br /> Johnson indicated they will be doing a substantial amount of planting in that area in addition to what <br /> already exists. The majority of the views from the adjacent house will not be facing the direction of this <br /> lot. <br /> Page 3 of 26 <br />