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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, July 15, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 4 of 23  <br />  <br />Thiesse indicated he did see that there was some mild erosion but that the majority of the dirt was <br />retained. <br /> <br />Miller asked what will happen to the water that was collected in the foundation. <br /> <br />Curtis stated she is not sure whether this is the venue for that discussion. <br /> <br />Miller stated part of his concern is the consideration of the property for additional hardcover. Miller <br />asked what has changed on the property. Miller asked if the property has a requirement on what can be <br />used for hardcover. <br /> <br />Curtis stated the hardcover on the lot is restricted and that the applicant is asking for additional hardcover <br />within the 0-75 foot zone. The applicant is not requesting any hardcover over the amount allowed on the <br />site and are, in fact, well below the amount of hardcover that would be allowed. <br /> <br />Miller asked what has changed about the property. Miller noted what has changed about the property is a <br />big hole and construction going on but the shoreline has not changed. The homeowner bought the <br />property knowing that that was their shoreline and their access. Miller asked why the applicants are <br />asking for additional hardcover within the 0-75 foot setback. <br /> <br />Curtis stated they are requesting 142 additional square feet. Curtis pointed out the applicants are allowed <br />to replace the existing stairs in kind and to have a stairway down to the lake. Submitting an application to <br />the City is the process by which the property owner can ask for consideration to construct the stairs they <br />are proposing. The applicant is proposing a stair that is set in the grade and screened from the lake, which <br />is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />Miller asked what type of consideration has been given to the property and to the construction. Miller <br />noted the applicant is asking for additional consideration. <br /> <br />Curtis indicated she does not understand Mr. Miller’s comments. Curtis noted the applicant is not <br />requesting any variances or special approvals as part of the conditional use permit. Curtis stated if there <br />is an issue with construction, erosion or something else on the site, Staff would look into that. <br /> <br />Miller stated there is a lack of consideration and yet they are asking for additional hardcover. Miller <br />stated in his view there has been a lack of consideration with respect to the construction. <br /> <br />Curtis asked if Mr. Miller has specific concerns regarding the application tonight. <br /> <br />Miller stated he is concerned because in his view there has been a lack of consideration with the <br />construction and that he is wondering what additional consideration should be given in light of the work <br />being done in the 0-75 foot zone and the request for the additional hardcover over what is currently there. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit noted the City’s code allows the property owners to rebuild the stairs in kind. The applicant <br />has chosen to rebuild the stairs versus remodeling them. The question before the Planning Commission <br />tonight is whether the staircase they are proposing is reasonable and whether the staircase is allowable <br />under the City’s code. Schoenzeit noted the City does allow a staircase in the 0-75 foot zone for access to <br />the lake. The applicant has chosen to rebuild it rather than remodel it, which is allowed. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 08/19/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 07/15/2013