08-13-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, August 13, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (S. #10-3491 CITY OF ORONO -HARDCOVER REGULATIONS AMENDMENT, Continued) Gozola stated the final result of Step 5 resulted in the final version of the map that is in the City Council's packet. As it concerns the last two updates regulating legal nonconforming hardcover, it was clarified to ensure that only roofed porches are eligible to be converted into year-round living space. A new provision was added to clarify that the variances on parcels within the stormwater overlay district will be subject to conditions requiring mitigation measures to offset any additional hardcover the City Council would authorize. Gozola stated in his view the City Council already has that power but that it has been clarified in the proposed new ordinance. Gozola indicated the feedback he has received on the changes has been positive and that in his view he has addressed all of the City Council's concerns dating back to June 26th. Gozola noted Staff did receive one e-mail from a resident but that he did not have much time to review it. Copies of the email have been distributed to the City Council. McMillan asked whether Mr. Gozola has received a lot of e-mail from the residents. Gozola indicated he has received a number of calls from residents who are mainly interested in when the new ordinance would be adopted by the City. McMillan asked whether a resident would need to call Staff to find out what tier their house is in. Gozola stated it is likely the map would be posted on the City's website and the residents could access the information from the website. McMillan asked what would happen if the existing house is torn down and is relocated on the property. Gozola stated he is not sure in how many instances that would occur, but that in his view it would be limited and that the analysis has classified each parcel into its appropriate district. Gozola stated in his view the appropriate due diligence has been done and they have been classified into the correct tier. McMillan asked what the pros and cons are of having the tiers versus the City's current system. Gozola indicated the primary benefit is that the citizens no longer have to have a surveyor do those calculations which cost them additional money. The residents can look at the gross acreage on their lot and then review the map to see which tier they are in and then know how much hardcover they are allowed. McMillan asked whether other cities are operating under the tier system. Gozola stated they have looked at multiple different options and that it was felt this was the best option. The proposed ordinance provides improvements to the existing ordinance that address the main concerns that have been expressed over the last 10 years. Rahn stated in his view the City has come a long way with their hardcover ordinance given the fact that 100 square feet of hardcover is allowed for a deck as well as some permeable pavers and the retaining wall issues. Page 5 of 19