04-27-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 27, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 21 4. #15-3711 CITY OF ORONO – AMEND CHAPTER 86-68 TO MODIFY SURVEY REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR PROJECTS/ADDITIONS (continued) Mayor McMillan asked if the site plan is overlaid on the survey. Curtis indicated it is. Curtis stated the survey that is submitted shows the existing conditions. The homeowner then submitted a site and grading plan showing the proposed changes based on the underlying survey. McMillan asked what the landscaping plan would show. Curtis stated it would depend on what the person is proposing. Typically when the City receives a building application, it will show the house, perhaps a patio or step, and then the permit is issued if everything depicted is correct. At times the homeowner would then start to design a plan with a landscape professional, and what happens at the end of the construction process is a more elaborate patio, additional grading, retaining walls, etc. Staff is proposing to let the person know up front that Staff would like to see their landscaping plan before the project begins. Council Member Walsh stated he noticed in the request for Council action, Staff has introduced a required separate zoning permit for landscaping of new home permits. Walsh stated he does not see anything that talks about new home permits. Curtis stated it would typically be applicable with a new building permit but any building permit would require a landscaping permit. Walsh noted the draft ordinance says new home permit. Walsh asked if this is more of a general permit. Walsh stated it was his understanding the person will already have put together a landscaping plan with a building permit. Curtis stated they are submitting a grading plan with some simplistic landscaping at the time of applying for a building permit. Curtis stated if a person is just applying for a detached garage or other accessory structure where landscaping is not contemplated, the landscape plan would not be required. Walsh asked if a landscaping plan would be required if the homeowner is not doing any re-grading or land alteration but merely adding bushes. Curtis indicated it would not be. Walsh asked what the definition of landscaping or land alteration is. Walsh noted the proposed language in the ordinance is so broad that anyone could be required to submit a landscaping plan. Curtis stated Staff does not intend to make it apply to vegetation. McMillan stated in her view landscaping might not be the correct word. McMillan stated it perhaps should be a zoning permit for land alteration. Curtis stated that is what the permit is called. Walsh asked if the City has a definition of what land alteration is.