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1VIIl�TUTES OF THE � <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING �� <br /> February 9,2015 �;; %' <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. `� o <br /> ��,,' <br /> Walsh stated if someone is permitted to plant a bush within the right-of-way, it can get into the issue of �"���'' <br /> why I can do this but not this. Walsh noted he has hedges that are five feet high right on the street,which � <br /> he is allowed to do. <br /> McMillan stated if something is in the right-of-way, a utility company could remove it if necessary and <br /> that a retaining wall is more of a permanent structure than a bush or hedge or tree. McMillan stated <br /> retaining walls also tend to be more costly than a shrub or a tree. <br /> Walsh stated the homeowner is taking that risk and that they should be aware of that risk. <br /> McMillan stated the City needs to do whatever is necessary to plow the snow. <br /> Walsh suggested the City Council look closer into what type of setback is necessary in the right-of-way. <br /> McMillan stated the question is what the thresholds should be that trigger an encroachment agreement. <br /> McMillan noted people will use boulders as a decorative feature and they are not designed for retaining <br /> the dirt. <br /> Walsh stated if the standard is set too low and it causes problems,the City can request it be removed or <br /> relocated. Walsh stated in his view the City needs to set up a standard to start with. <br /> McMillan stated in her view there are a few separate issues to deal with and they include the right-of-way, <br /> properiy lines,possibly reducing the setback to two to three feet, and a limited height for a planter wall or <br /> retaining wall. McMillan indicated she is inclined to allow a structure under two feet in height to be <br /> located two to three feet from the property line. <br /> Printup stated as long as it does not impact the runoff to the neighbor's property. <br /> Walsh noted that is already covered in an existing ordinance. <br /> McMillan stated in her view it does not hurt to explain that in the new ordinance as well. <br /> Gaffron noted Staff does not know what people are doing if they are not required to obtain a permit for <br /> something, such as a fence. Gaffron asked whether someone should obtain a permit for something that <br /> meets these standards. Gaffron indicated he is okay with the idea that a person can do certain things <br /> without a permit, but that there should be a threshold set for when an administrative permit is required or <br /> a variance. <br /> Walsh stated it could also impact hardcover. <br /> Gaffron stated that is correct. Gaffron stated the amount of fill or grading should also be considered. <br /> Mattick stated the City wants to be accommodating but that something as simple as a retaining wall could <br /> take someone over on hardcover. Mattick stated if there is no City review,the property owner may not <br /> realize that. <br /> Walsh asked if retaining walls still count towards hardcover. <br /> Page 8 of 25 <br />