10-20-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 15, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 59 property which appears to be out of character with the surrounding area. The applicants’ landscape plan does not adequately address lost trees and overall vegetation cleared from the site. Curtis stated the proposed use of the property as a residential property will not be changing as a result of the proposed grading activity and there should be no change in the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties. The proposed grading on this lot should be designed to minimize any environmental impacts. Much of the grading activity has already been conducted. This activity may have resulted in the current or future loss of mature vegetation on the property. The applicants have provided a landscape plan but additional lakeshore buffer areas may be necessary as well as some screening vegetation from the lake and neighboring properties. The Planning Commission should read the correspondence from the neighbor that was included within the Staff report. The neighbor also is present at tonight’s meeting. Planning Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for the land alterations within the 75- foot setback area conditioned upon the following: 1. A revised grading plan should be submitted to address all requirements of the City Engineer; 2. A revised landscape plan should be submitted which provides for replacement o the two additional trees removed, increased vegetative screening from neighboring properties, and a 10- foot to 15-foot lakeshore planting buffer; 3. Conformance with the City Engineer’s comments will be required. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Jim Kelly, Applicant, stated this is a house they intend to either remodel or rebuild at some point in the future. Kelly indicated the first 75 feet of the lot was all weeds, poison ivy and a bee problem. Kelly stated when they purchased the property, they did not realize they needed a permit in order to smooth out the grade and put down sod. Kelly indicated they did not want to spend a lot of money on the project and that it was basically just a sod and irrigation project. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 3 of 59]