06-12-2017 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,June 12,2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 25. #17-3925 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT: SMALL LOTS/SETBACKS— Continued result in only two additional homes in the neighborhood,which is less than a two percent increase since there are probably 60 houses or more total. Carlson asked what the specific hurdle is that has to be overcome in order to explore rezoning her neighborhood. Carlson asked why the Council does not want to look at rezoning the area. Carlson noted she was told to wait until the City did its Comprehensive Plan update to address the rezoning but now she is being told they aren't rezoning. Walsh noted Mrs. Carlson could request a variance to subdivide her property. Carlson stated that would be costly for her as a homeowner and a lot more work for the City. Walsh stated he is not sure about that but that is one option she could consider. Walsh stated rezoning an entire area takes a little more thought and analysis since it could impact other areas as well. Walsh stated the Council has not discussed any of those issues so they do not know the unintended consequences of reducing those requirements. Carlson indicated she did send a letter requesting an analysis of those issues and that she would like her property to have the potential to be subdivided. Carlson stated having lived in her neighborhood for 35 years, she has seen that there are other neighbors who have issues with how they are able to remodel their homes. Carlson stated if that is what is being attempted to be addressed with this text amendment,the City is not going the full scope. Walsh stated rezoning and setbacks are completely separate issues. Carlson stated if the City were to rezone,there would be fewer variances required since the front setback would go to 30 and the side setback would go to ten. Walsh stated her request will be brought to the Code Review Committee. Barnhart stated the text amendment deals with the setbacks without increasing the density,which does not solve or address Mrs.Carlson's concern. Barnhart noted that does not prohibit the Planning Commission or the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee from reviewing possible rezoning of certain areas,which will be happening over the next 18 months. Seals stated in regards to the rezoning,when she was campaigning, she did not hear any requests about rezoning. Seals stated she did hear how people want the ability to do more with their lots but that they did not want to see more homes or higher density. Seals stated people are concerned about what the unintended consequences of rezoning would be and that they are basically looking to put a deck on their house,which is a pretty reasonable request. Walsh stated he would like to separate the rezoning issue from this text amendment and that he would like to refocus back on the setbacks since rezoning is not before the City Council at this time. Walsh noted with the Orono Preserve development,the Council allowed setbacks at 10 and 5 feet,which basically averages out to 7.5 feet. Walsh pointed out the text amendment applies only to lots that have widths that Page 15 of 19