06-13-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: June 13, 2016 ITEM NO: 13 Department Approval: Administrator Reviewed: Agenda Section: Name Jeremy Barnhart JML Planning Title Community Development Director Item Description: #16-3817, City of Orono Text Amendment: Define Existing Ground Level and Engineered Grade Application Summary The draft ordinance amends the definition of Existing Ground Level, adds new definitions of “Engineered Grade” and “Natural Grade”, and amends different sections of the ordinance to maintain consistency in terms. The issue of “Existing Grade” was the 4th highest priority of ordinances to review last fall. The City Code currently uses several terms interchangeably, including grade, ground level, and ground. This adds to confusion in the code. The proposed ordinance clarifies the terms. Also, the height of buildings is based on the existing ground level. In situations where a house site is based on a recently approved final plat or a grading Conditional Use Permit, the existing ground level hasn’t yet been established. The proposed ordinance adds an Engineered Grade definition to address those situations (allowing us to review permits before the grading work has been completed. Lastly, the Ordinance adds a definition of “Natural Grade” which is used in the Alternative energy system section of the code. Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission held the second of two public hearings on May 16th. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance as drafted. No public comments have been received for or against the proposed ordinance. Action Requested: By motion, approve the ordinance as drafted. List of Exhibits: Exhibit A. Draft Ordinance Exhibit B. Planning Commission Staff Report dated May 16, 2016 Exhibit C. Draft PC Minutes