03/20/2017 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,March 20,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Curtis stated the existing vegetation on the east side of the home will be removed because the addition will be built in its place. As a result, Staff is recommending the addition be screened from the lake. Anderson stated that is reasonable. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 9:28 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 9:28 p.m. Thiesse commented the application seems to be pretty straight forward. Landgraver stated given the distance between the homes, he is okay with the request. Leskinen moved,Lemke seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 17-3919,Ashley and Amir Mehbod,2625 North Shore Drive,granting of lake setback and 75-foot hardcover variances, subject to Staff's recommendation for screening. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (Recess taken from 9:30 p.m.to 9:37 p.m.) 13. 17-3920 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT: SURVEY REQUIREMENTS Barnhart stated in the review process of the City's projects,whether it is a building permit or accessory building permit or a planning application,the City requires a certified plan by a licensed architect,a surveyor or engineer. Barnhart stated in some cases that is appropriate but sometimes it results in additional time and expense. The draft ordinance removes the requirement of a survey and instead requires a site plan or a certified site plan. Barnhart stated a site plan shows the proposed improvement and a survey represents what is there on the property. The City requires a plan showing what the person is proposing to do on their property. Barnhart stated if someone is doing a project that requires grading,the City will require a certified site plan. The plan helps provide a certain amount of confidence in the project. The draft ordinance is intended to revise the permitting requirements for projects,such as accessory structures, in Orono reducing unnecessary steps and expense in getting a project approved. In those situations the ordinance is requiring a site plan to illustrate what is being proposed,the location of the improvement in relationship to the property line,the house,and other features of the property. That information is used in the review process to determine if variances are required. Section 3 of the draft proposes changes to the site plan review process for permitted uses in commercial and industrial districts. The City Administrator or designee is to make decisions on site plans but may refer these to the City Council. Under this change, City Staff would review the permitted and accessory uses and a public hearing is not required. Page 32 of 43