10-13-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 13, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 21 PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 4. #13-3615 3384-3386 SHORELINE DRIVE (CUP FOR THE NARROWS) – MINOR SITE PLAN AMENDMENT Gaffron stated the applicants have submitted building permit applications for the addition of a vestibule at the rear of the property. In December of 2013, the City Council granted a conditional use permit and variances for a restaurant use in the west half of the building. The vestibule initially was proposed and approved at a 9 foot depth by 7.6 foot width. The applicants are now proposing the vestibule to be 10.8 by 9.4 deep. Gaffron displayed the original plan for the vestibule. Gaffron noted the plan had no direct access to the patio area. Gaffron stated the current proposal shows a single door system with a door to the patio and a door below that that goes into the restaurant. Gaffron stated in some respects this is a better layout and that the initial reasoning for not having a door from the vestibule area to the patio area was for patron control. Staff does not have a problem with the slight addition to the size of the vestibule. Gaffron stated if the Council were to stay with the background logic of not having a door to the patio, then he would recommend denial of that doorway unless the applicant can demonstrate that this is a better situation. Jim Anderst, applicant, stated at the time the plat was drawn up, he did not give much thought to the size of the vestibule. Anderst stated in his view the door works better for patrons on the patio in order to access the bathroom and that they have attempted to prohibit patrons from going into the parking lot from the patio area by installing a gate. Bremer stated she is fine with the change and that it is an improvement in appearance and layout. Printup stated he also is fine with the change. McMillan asked whether some of these changes could be made administratively by Staff in the future. Gaffron stated the way the original resolution was worded is if Staff finds a change to be substantial it should be brought back to the City Council. Gaffron stated if it was merely an expansion of a couple of feet, Staff would not have had a problem with it, but that the discussion as part of the original approval was controlling the way patrons exit and enter. Gaffron stated Staff probably has some options for future applications, such as allowing a certain percentage increase without Council review. Gaffron stated to what extent the Council would like to use its discretion would probably be best handled at a future work session. McMillan indicated she is fine with the change. McMillan asked if it requires a resolution. Gaffron stated Staff would like the existing resolution to be revised and that Staff would like to bring that back to the next City Council meeting.