Town Of Searsmont

Planning Board Minutes

May 20, 2008

 

1. Call To Order: 7:00 p.m.

 

2.  Attendance: Vice Chair: Paul Leeper, Jack Degraff, Steve Porter and Andrea Walker

 

3.  Applications and Request:

    A. Kathy Anderson of  New England Road, Map 3 lot 73-  returning with an

         Application for a minor sub division application.

The Board reviewed and discussed the General Standards in Section 1600

Pertaining to Kathy Anderson’s application:

1006.1   Conformance with Comprehensive Plan.

All proposed subdivisions shall be in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan or policy statement of the municipality and with the provisions of all-pertinent state and local codes and ordinances. 

The Board agreed that the simple division of land conformed with the Comprehensive Plan

1006.2   Retention of Open Spaces and Natural or Historic Features.

The Board agreed that it was not applicable because there are no plans for divided lots.

1006.3   Land Not Suitable for Development.

The Board agreed there are no easements, it is not in the 100 flood plain,, and this was Not Applicable.

1006.4   Lots.

A.  Lots within a Shoreland Zoning District shall meet the lot area, lot width, setback and shore frontage requirements for that district.

           The Board agreed that it was not applicable because there are no lots in the Shoreland Zone.

1006.5   Land Features.   The Board agreed that it was not applicable

1006.6   Dedication and Maintenance of Common Open Space and Services

 

The Board agreed that it was not applicable

 

1006.7   Construction in Flood Hazard Areas.

               The Board agreed that it was not applicable as it is not in a flood plain.  

 

1006.8   Impact on Ground Water.

              The Board agreed that it was not applicable as wells and septic systems exist on most lots and there are no other development plans.

 

1006.9   Mobile Home Park Administration

               The Board agreed that it was not applicable, not a mobile home park

 

 1006.10 Conversion of Mobile Home Park

   The Board agreed that it was not applicable, not a mobile home park

 

 

 

 

1007  Construction Standards:

 

1007.1   Required Improvements

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed construction/development plans.

.

1007.2   Water Supply

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed construction/development plans.

.

 

1007.3   Sewage Disposal

A.  Private Systems.

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed construction/development plans.

.

 

1007.4   Roads

A.  General Requirements.

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed roads.

.

 

1007.5   Parking, Sidewalks and Fire Protection

A.  Storm Water Management Design Standards.

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed construction/development plans. .

 

1007.7   Utilities

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed  construction/development plans. .

 

1007.8   Additional Improvements

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed  construction/development plans.

1007.9   Certification of Construction

"As built" plans shall be submitted to the Municipal Officers. Upon completion of street construction and prior to a vote by the Municipal Officers to submit a proposed public way to the legislative body, a written certification signed by a professional engineer registered in the State of Maine shall be submitted to the Municipal Officers at the expense of the applicant, certifying that the proposed way meets or exceeds the design and construction requirements of these regulations.

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed  construction/development plans.

1007.10 Buffer Strip

In a Mobile Home Park:

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there are no proposed  construction/development plans.

1007.11 Lot Coverage

In a Mobile Home Park

: The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there is no proposed  mobile home park. .

 

1007.12 Mobile Home Stand/Pad

In a Mobile Home Park:

The Board agreed that it was not applicable, as there is no proposed  mobile home park.

Town of Searsmont Application  for  a  Minor Subdivision

With attached Land Use Ordinance Section 1000

Note: the completed application form, required fees, plans and related information need to be submitted to the Board no less than one week prior to a scheduled Planning Board meeting.

Before filling out the application, please carefully read Section 1000 of the Searsmont Land Use Ordinance.

Before drafting actual plans, you are strongly urged to meet with the Code Enforcement Officer to discuss your activity, any questions you may have, and applicable permitting requirements.

Applicant:

              1. Name: Kathy Anderson

              2. Address: 170 New England Road, Searsmont, Maine 04973

              3. Telephone Number: 207-342-4030

               Property owner information(if different):

             4. Name:__________________________________________________

             5.Address:_________________________________________________

            6.Telephone:_______________________________________________

            7. Applicant’s authorized agent’s name: (if any)_____________________

             

8.  Name and address to which all correspondence regarding this application should be sent: (if different from above)

 

Name: ______________________________________________________

 

Address: ___________________________________________________

 

If applicant is a corporation, is it licensed in Maine:

If yes, attach copy of State Registration. No._______________________

 

 

 

 

Proposed Project:

 

1. Name: Plaisted/ Anderson Subdivision.

 

2. Nature of project: Briefly describe the project including the purpose or need for the project (attach sheet with additional information if needed). Describe the total floor area, hours of operation, type of materials/products to be handled, parking and access etc.

 

     Divide existing lot Map 3 Lot 73 to allow for the sale of the existing farm and 15 acres. And to retain the old store, storage building and 6 acres.

 

Signature of Applicant:_______________________________________Date:________

 

1003    Application Procedures

1003.1   General

A.  Procedure

1.    Within six months after the on-site inspection by the Board, the subdivider shall submit an application for approval of a Plan at least seven days prior to a scheduled meeting of the Board. Failure to do so shall require a resubmission of the Sketch Plan to the Board. The Plan shall approximate the layout shown on the Sketch Plan, plus any recommendations made by the Board.

 

 

2.    The subdivider shall certify to the Board that all owners of abutting property have been notified that an application for subdivision approval has been submitted to the Board.

All Abutters have been notified

 

3.    The subdivider, or his duly authorized representative, shall attend the meeting of the Board to discuss the Plan.

 

 

4.    Upon determination that a complete application has been submitted for review, the Board shall issue a dated receipt to the subdivider. The Board shall determine whether to hold a public hearing on the Plan application.

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive, as all abutters were notified and no replies/or objections were sent forth from them.

 

5.    If the Board decides to hold a public hearing, it shall hold the hearing within thirty days of receipt of a complete application, and shall publish notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality at least two times, the date of the first publication to be at least seven days prior to the hearing.

 

6.    Within thirty days of a public hearing, or within sixty days of receipt of a complete application, if no hearing is held, or within another time limit as may be otherwise mutually agreed to by the Board and the subdivider, the Board shall make findings of fact on the application, and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the Plan. The Board shall specify in writing its findings of facts and reasons for any conditions or denials.

 

B.  Submissions

      All submissions as referenced in each individual section below shall include:

1.    Proposed name of the subdivision, or identifying title, and the name of the municipality in which it is located, plus the Tax Assessor's Map and Lot numbers.

 Map:____3____ Lot:_73______ Zoning District: Searsmont.

 

2.    Verification of right, title, or interest in the property.

Met standard, verified warranty Deed

 

3.    An actual field survey of the boundary lines of the tract, giving complete descriptive data by bearings and distances, made and certified by a licensed land surveyor. The corners of the tract shall be located on the ground and marked by monuments. The plan shall indicate the type of monument to be set or found at each lot corner,

Motion made, seconded and passed at last meeting, simple division of land.

 

 

4.    A copy of the deed from which the survey was based. A copy of all covenants or deed restrictions, easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances currently affecting the property.

Met Standard, presented with warranty Deed.

 

5.    A copy of any covenants or deed restrictions intended to cover all or part of the lots in the subdivision. None

 

6.    Indication of the type of sewage disposal to be used in the subdivision. None proposed.

 

a.    When sewage disposal is to be accomplished by subsurface wastewater disposal systems, test pit analyses, prepared by a Licensed Site Evaluator shall be provided.

b.    A map showing the location of all test pits dug on the site shall be submitted.

 

7.    Indication of the type of water supply system(s) to be used in the subdivision. None proposed

 

a.    When water is to be supplied by private wells, evidence of adequate ground water supply and quality shall be submitted by a well driller or a hydro geologist familiar, with the area.

 

8.    The date the plan was prepared, magnetic north point, graphic map scale, names and addresses of the record owner, subdivider, and individual or company who prepared the plan if the subdivider is not the owner of the property, evidence of the sub divider’s right, title or interest to the property.

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to accept Kathy’s 1” to 400’ scale for her  plan submittal.

 

9.    The names and addresses of owners of record of adjacent property, including any property directly across an existing public street from the subdivision. Done

 

10.  The location of any zoning boundaries affecting the subdivision.

In Rural District.

 

11.  A copy of the portion of the County Soil Survey covering the subdivision.

a.    When the medium intensity soil survey shows soils which are generally unsuitable for the uses, only when rejected by a soil evaluator, the Board may require the submittal of a high intensity soil survey or a report by a Registered Soil Scientist or Registered Professional Engineer experienced in geotechnics, indicating the suitability of soil conditions for those uses.

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive at last meeting, present map acceptable.

 

12.  The number of acres within the proposed subdivision, location of property lines, existing buildings, watercourses, vegetative cover type, and other essential existing physical features. The location of any trees larger than 24 inches in diameter at breast height shall be shown on the plan. On wooded sites, the plan shall indicate the area where clearing for lawns and structures shall be permitted.

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive as there is no planned division on site.

 

13.  Contour lines at the interval on  the application 1:24000 United States Geological Survey quadrangle map,  or as specified by the Planning Board, showing elevations in relation to Mean Sea Level.

Complete, Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive at last meeting.

 

14.  If any portion of the subdivision is in a flood-prone area, the boundaries of any flood hazard areas and the 100-year flood elevation shall be delineated on the plan. N/A Will check, Condition that application is complete.

 

15.  A hydro geological assessment prepared by a Certified Geologist or Registered Professional Engineer, experienced in hydro geology, when the subdivision is not served by public sewer and

 

a.    Any part of the subdivision is located over a sand and gravel aquifer, as shown on a map entitled "Hydrogeologic Data for Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifers"' by the Maine Geological Survey, 1985, Map No. 18 or 19; or

 

b.    The subdivision has an average density of less than 100,000 square feet per dwelling unit.

 

       An assessment of the impacts of Mobile Home Park development on ground water quality shall be submitted prior to final approval of the park, as define d in Section 1006.8.

Not Applicable

 

 

16.  An estimate of the amount and type of vehicular traffic to be generated on a daily basis and at peak hours.

Not applicable, no development planned.

 

17.  For subdivisions involving 40 or more parking spaces or projected to generate more than 400 vehicle trips per day, a traffic impact analysis, prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer with experience in traffic engineering shall be submitted.

 

a.    The analysis shall indicate

i.     the expected average daily vehicular trips,

ii.    peak-hour volumes,

iii.   access conditions at the site,

iv.    distribution of traffic,

v.     types of vehicles expected,

vi.    effect upon the level of service of the street giving access to the site and neighboring streets which may be affected, and

vii.   recommended improvements to maintain the desired level of service on the affected streets.

b.    Trip generation rates used shall be the mean value reported in Table 3 of Development and Application of Trip Generation Rates, Keller co, Inc., published by the Federal Highway Administration, January 1985.

Not Applicable

 

For Major Subdivisions, the following additional data is also required:

18.  The location and size of existing and proposed sewers, water mains, culverts, and drainage ways on or adjacent to the property to be subdivided.

19.  The location, names, and present widths of existing and proposed streets, highways, easements, building lines, parks and other open spaces on or adjacent to the subdivision.

20.  The proposed lot lines with approximate dimensions and lot areas.

21.  All parcels of land proposed to be dedicated to public use and the conditions of such dedication.

22.  The location of any open space to be preserved and a description of proposed improvements and its management.

Not a major Subdivision, therefore not Applicable.

 

 

C.  Final Plan Submission

      The Final Plan shall consist of one or more maps or drawings drawn to a scale of not more than one hundred feet to the inch.

 

1.    Plans for subdivisions containing more than one hundred acres may be drawn at a scale of not more than two hundred feet to the inch provided all necessary detail can easily be read.

Not Applicable

 

2.    Plans shall be no larger than 24 by 36 inches in size, and shall have a margin of two inches outside of the borderline on the left side for binding and a one-inch margin outside the border along the remaining sides.

 

3.    Space shall be reserved on the plan for endorsement by the Board.

 

4.    Two reproducible, stable based transparent originals, one to be recorded at the Registry of Deeds, the other to be filed at the Municipal Offices, and three copies of the plan shall be submitted. The subdivider may, instead, submit one reproducible stable based transparent original of the Final Plan and one Recording Plan with three copies of the Final Plan.

Submitted

 

1003.2   Minor Subdivisions

A.  Final Plan Approval Procedure

1.    The Board may require, where it deems it necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, that a Minor Subdivision comply with all, or any of the subdivision requirements for a Major Subdivision.

 

2.    All applications for Final Plan approval for a Minor Subdivision shall be accompanied by an application fee as determined in accordance with Section 402 payable by a check to the municipality. If a public hearing is deemed necessary by the Board, an additional fee shall be required to cover the additional costs of advertising and postal notification.

 

3.    The General Application Procedures listed in 1003.1(A) shall be followed for all applications for Final Plan approval for a Minor Subdivision.

 

4.    Preliminary Plan approval is not required for a Minor Subdivision.

 

B.  Final Plan Approval Submissions

 

1.    The Final Plan shall consist of that described in 1003.1(C).

 

2.    Three copies of all information accompanying the plan shall be submitted.

 

3.    The application for approval of a Minor Subdivision shall include all of the information listed in 1003.1(B).

 

 

 Application Fee in the sum of: O ____________           

($  _______O____________)Was collected on this

Day: 20th____month: May___ Year: 2008_.

 

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive  the application fee.

Kathy Anderson (the applicant) proposes a 4 lot minor subdivision named the Plaisted/Anderson Subdivision.  The proposed subdivision is located on Map 3, Lot 73 on New England Road.  The proposed subdivision is located in the Rural District.  The applicant has provides a legal interest in the property by providing a copy of a warranty deed.  The lots comprise 35± acres.  Three of the lots have existing buildings on them.  No other development is proposed, this is a simple division of land.  The application was determined to be complete on May 20, 2008.

 

.Findings of Fact

 

A.  Will not result in undue water or air pollution. In making this determination, the Board shall at least consider:

1.    The elevation of the land above sea level and its relation to the flood plains;

2.    The nature of soils and subsoil’s and their ability to adequately support waste disposal;

3.    The slope of the land and its effect on effluents;

4.    The availability of streams for disposal of effluents; and

5.    The applicable state and local health and water resource rules and regulations;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as no proposed development is presented.

 

B.  Has sufficient water available for the reasonably foreseeable needs of the subdivision;

  Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as no development is planned, it is a simple division of land.

     

C.  Will not cause an unreasonable burden on an existing water supply if one is to be utilized; 

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as no development is planned, it is a simple division of land.

 

D.  Will not cause unreasonable soil erosion or reduction in the capacity of the land to hold water so that a dangerous or unhealthy condition could result;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as no development is planned, it is a simple division of land.

 

E.  Will not cause unreasonable highway or public road congestion or unsafe conditions will respect the use of the highways or public roads existing or proposed;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as no proposed development is presented therefore there is no increase to traffic.

 

F.   Will provide for adequate solid and sewage waste disposal;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as there are existing systems on the site.

 

G.  Will not cause an unreasonable burden on the ability of a municipality to dispose of solid waste and sewage if municipal services are to be utilized;

 Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive this standard as it is not applicable.

 

H.  Will not have an undue adverse effect on the scenic or natural beauty of the area, aesthetics, historic sites or rare and irreplaceable natural areas or any public rights for physical or visual access to the shore line;

Motion made, seconded and passed  unanimously to waive as it is not applicable due to no proposed development.

 

I.    Is in conformance with this ordinance, and the Searsmont Comprehensive Plan, or any development plan or land use plan of the Town of Searsmont, if any;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as it conforms with both the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Ordinance.

 

J.   Subdivider has adequate financial and technical capacity to meet the above stated standards;

Motion made seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard as it is a simple land division with no financial burden.

 

K.  Will not adversely affect the quality of any body of water or unreasonably affect the shoreline of any body of water;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive the standard as it is not applicable because there are none.

 

L.   Will not, alone or in conjunction with existing activities, adversely affect the quality or quantity of ground water; and

Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard due to no new proposed land development.

 

M.  Based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps and Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and information presented by the applicant whether the subdivision or any part of it, is in a flood-prone area, the subdivider shall determine the 100-year flood elevation and flood hazard boundaries within the subdivision. The proposed subdivision plan must include a condition of plan approval requiring that principal structures in the subdivision will be constructed with their lowest floor, including the basement, at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation;

Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously to waive the standard as it is not applicable, it is not in a flood plain.

 

N.  Shall have all freshwater wetlands within the proposed subdivision identified on any maps submitted as part of the application, regardless of the size of these wetlands. Any mapping of freshwater wetlands may be done with the help of the local soil and water conservation district;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously that the project has met the standard, as all wetlands are presented on map that was presented by Kathy Anderson.

 

O.  Shall have any river, stream or brook within or abutting the proposed subdivision identified on any maps submitted as part of the application. For purposes of this section, "river, stream or brook" has the same meaning as in Title 38, MRSA section 480-B, subsection 9;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to that the project has met the standard, no streams are present on the property as shown on map that was presented by Kathy Anderson.

 

P.  Will provide for adequate storm water management;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive as not applicable because this is a simple land division, with no proposed land development.

 

Q.  If it has any lots with shore frontage on a river, stream, brook, great pond or coastal wetland as these features are defined in Title 38, MRSA, section 480-B, none of the lots created within the subdivision shall have a lot depth to shore frontage ratio greater than 5 to 1;

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive as not applicable because there are no streams. rivers, or great Ponds.

 

R.  Long-term cumulative effects will not unreasonably increase a great pond's phosphorus concentration during the construction phase and life of the proposed subdivision; and

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive as not applicable because there are no Great Ponds in the vicinity.

 

S.  If it crosses municipal boundaries, will not cause unreasonable traffic congestion or unsafe conditions with respect to the use of existing public ways in an adjoining municipality in which part of the subdivision is located.

Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously to waive as not applicable because it does not cross municipalities.

 

 

 

Therefore:

 

The Plaisted/ Anderson subdivision application on New England Road meets all provisions and standards of the Land Use Ordinance and Title 30-A MRSA§4404.

Motion to Accept and Seconded Vote: Unanimous

 

 

4.  Minutes: Review of May 6, 2008:

                    Motion was  made, seconded, and passed unanimously to  pass over until next meeting.

 

5.  Communications:

 

         A. PB Clerk reported on the final standings of the Comprehensive Planning updating process. 

  OVERVIEW:

       **Last meeting with Steve was on December 18,. He and Karen’s recommendations were to:  update the 1993 plan, using the new state rules and establishing an industrial growth district and amending Zoning in growth-rural areas to match the new rules. Therefore making it comply with the zoning ordinances. The Planning Board  obliged.

 **And two motions were made regarding the Comprehensive  plan.:

           1. To change the comp plan to formulating an amendment to delete the industrial zone language.      

           2. Paul to amend/change the wording in section 500 of the Ordinance (mainly the industrial/growth

               zone)    

**The new rules for the Comprehensive  Plan can be found on the States web page under the Land Use Planning program Chapter 208.  If any questions regarding the updates is needed the Planning Board may contact John Webber at the state Planning Office @ 287-4818.  He is also available to give a presentation to the Planning Board, regarding it.

LOOKING AHEAD:

** Currant 1993 Comprehensive  Plan doesn’t expire until 2012 as it is. But zoning and Comprehensive need to be in  compliance.

** The Comp plan will need to be submitted by 9-20-08 to the State if PB decides to go with the Old Rule. No need for a town vote for this.

** New Data, & maps from the State on Searsmonts and surrounding towns are projected to be out in June 08, according to Stacy.

** Projected  State Shoreland re-Zoning will be out in October -08.

** A recommendation needs to be presented to the selectmen as to how to proceed with the Comprehensive plan.

** November-20 minutes reflect Stacy’s suggestions. I have a copy of  Stacy’s Zoning/Comprehensive outline for those who need one.

B.   Planning Board Clerk  called Steve Page and left a message with him regarding his involvement in the Comprehensive plan updates and the needed definition for a footprint, as discussed on March 4,  and all that is related to that  Definition.

C.  Warrants for the past 8 years, and Special town meetings have begun a review

           process.

D. On-line disclaimers: Updated

 

6.  Old Business:

 

       A.  A fee for a Change of Use must be determined and added to the fee schedule and section 800, as it is in Section 1100 of the Ordinance and therefore needs to be added to the fee schedule in Section 800. Further discussions will follow.

       

7. New business: None

 

8. Adjournment: 9:00 pm.