10-21-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 16, 2016 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 34 Planning Commission feels the grading plan is appropriate in light of what the comprehensive plan and code requires, the Planning Commission can recommend approval of the application and move it before the City Council. Leskinen asked if the circular area is a big concrete paver patio area. Curtis stated that was depicted on the previous plan as well. Lin Yan indicated the patio is outside of the 75-foot setback. Curtis indicated the heavy black line is the 75-foot setback and that some of the patio is new. Leskinen questioned whether that patio would contribute to the runoff. Thiesse noted the applicant is below the 25 percent hardcover limit and that the patio is outside of the 0- 75 foot zone. Landgraver stated in his view the Planning Commission is strongly encouraged to prevent grading changes that close to the shoreline. Judging by the size of the tree growing on top of the ridge, it appears that the ridge has been there for a number of years and has not been heavily impacted by heavy rains. Landgraver stated because of that, he would not recommend approval and that he would prefer the application be tabled. Lin Yan noted there was a beech tree in that area and that they had received permission to remove it. Landgraver stated he understands that but that the point of his comment was that the hill has been there for a number of years. Lin Yan commented the soil in that area is loose and that the roots were exposed in the last storm which necessitated the removal of the tree. Thiesse stated it should not be the homeowner’s problem to take care of the City’s water coming off the easement but that he is not sure the landowner should divert his runoff into the lake. Leskinen stated that was the purpose behind her questioning the patio area. Leskinen asked if the patio will carve into the hill area. Curtis indicated that area is already flat and is the area where the water pools. Dutra noted the darker area around the house is not all paver and consists largely of mulch. The patio is only the circular area. Schoenzeit stated until there is agreement between the City Engineer and the applicant’s engineer, it seems premature for the Planning Commission to move the application forward. Thiesse commented he would not argue with that. Thiesse asked whether the City allows a maximum of four feet width on the stairs and whether the walls are intended to protect people from falling off the stairs or what their purpose is. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 5 of 34]