LA18-000056 Neugent (710 Big Island) VAR Exhibit D Draft PC Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 18, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair John Thiesse, Commissioners Bob Erickson, Dennis Libby, Mark McCutcheon, Chad Olson, and Jon Ressler. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, City Planners Melanie Curtis and Laura Oakden, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Dennis Walsh was present. Chair Thiesse called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. LA18-000056 STUART CLEAVELAND, BLACK BEAR BUILDERS, 710 BIG ISLAND, VARIANCES, 6:37 P.M. – 6:49 P.M. Stuart Cleaveland, Black Bear Builders, and Christopher Neugent, owner, were present. Oakden stated the applicant is requesting variances for hardcover and a retaining wall in the 75-foot lake yard setback. The applicant proposes three improvements within the 75-foot lake yard labeled A, B, and C on the plan. Improvements A and B are permitted by code and no variances are necessary. Improvement C requires a variance and is the subject of this application. The property currently has a small path with a retaining wall to access the west dock. The retaining wall is failing with a significantly slanted walking path. Included as part of the proposed improvements are extensive landscaping around the shoreline and throughout the property. The applicants are further proposing to remove four trees within the 75-foot lake yard and will plant eight native trees in various locations in the lake yard. The applicant is also proposing a 4-foot walkway from the main dock and stairs to the house as well as additional hardcover for access from the lake to the detached garage. They are proposing to use a variety of materials including pavers on the walking, rock to match the existing riprap along the shore, geogrid grass pavers, and gravel pavers. These improvements are allowed per City Code 78-1282(6) for handicap accessibility. The entire property is located lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line determined by the properties at 700 Big Island and 720 Big Island. Within 75 feet of the ordinary high water level of any lake no hardcover shall be placed, located or constructed except regulated by the Shoreland Overlay District. Staff finds due to the nature of the lot at the point of the island there are practical difficulties supporting granting the 75-foot lake yard setback and hardcover in the lake yard variances for access improvements to the property. The applicant is looking to reconstruct a failing retaining wall and walkway for access to the west dock. As part of the project, the applicant will be adding hardcover in the 75-foot lake yard to create access for a handicap family member to the cabin from the lake. No public comments have been received. Staff recommends approval of the proposed improvements. Thiesse asked if Staff is sure the wall will not exceed 4 feet. Council LA18-000056 Exhibit D