03-20-2017 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

Item 13 �OlVO To: Chair Thiesse and Planning Commission Members Doug Reeder, City Administrator 4kESH�� From: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director Date: March 20, 2017 Subject: #17-3920, City of Orono,Text Amendment:Survey and site plan requirements Public Hearing Application Summary: The draft ordinance would alter the requirements for permit application, introducing requirements for a certified site plan for new and expanded principal structures, and clarifying the process for site plan review for permitted and accessory structures. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted. Background It is appropriate to occasionally review the permitting process and to evaluate whether the information required and the process to obtain permits is relevant. The Development Process Review Committee, as users of our processes, have suggested changes when a survey is required. Additionally,the site plan review process was the 12 highest ranked item identified by the Planning Commission and City Council last fall. The City Council formally authorized amendments at their meeting on February 27tH The draft ordinance is intended to revise the permitting requirements for projects in Orono reducing unnecessary steps and expense in getting a project approved. Primarily,staff reviewed the City Code for mentions of survey,and replaced these references with "site plan"or a "certified site plan". A certified site plan, required for new principal buildings, additions to principal buildings,or grading projects that otherwise require a permit, is a site plan prepared by an individual registered by the state(surveyors,engineers, landscape architects). Other projects, including accessory structures/buildings, decks, minor grading do not need to be prepared by a registered individual. The Planning Commission and Council should be aware that while the expense and time associated with a project may be reduced, so too will confidence in the plan. Regardless,staff will continue to be bound by what the applicant communicates to the city as to the scope of the project. Additionally,the draft ordinance alters when a foundation and as-built survey is required,to only principal buildings.