04/08/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

that the report states that there are FEMA requirements regarding new homes within the 100- year floodplain. The report states that the plat shows the elevations between 668 and 670, which is below the 100-year flood elevation. Mr. Rankin suggested that the land elevations are tiered downward to the river. The current septic system is on the second tier down and the base flood elevation is higher then the second level. In addition, it is an older system and the county has agreed that it would be an improvement to the environmental impact to put in two new systems as well as a new location. He has a soil scientist coming to the parcel to do a thorough evaluation plan of the site and he was recommended by the county. The scientist will dig a series of wholes analyze the soil for permeability to make sure a) that water will soak into it and b) that it will not soak in to fast. If it is to fast there is not enough treatment action through the ground and if it soaks in to slow then it is not suitable. The preliminary test that were preformed by the county suggest that it would be suitable for an on lot septic system. When he spoke to Chris Bosworth last week the results of this Scientists test would dictate the type system that would have to be installed. Due to the amount of money involved to have these tests preformed he would like to know that once all the test and pre- qualifications are met the city is not going to deny him the right to split the lot. Mr. Spalding indicated that the Board of Zoning Appeals would need to act on the variance request before Planning Commission could make any type of ruling. Engineering departments concerns; Mr. Durbin suggested that when the applicant goes before the Board of Zoning Appeals he should have his leach field plans drawn out on the plats so that they know what will take place. The EPA frowns upon any leach field being placed below 100-year floodplain. Mr. Rankin suggested that as the land is tiered downward the two leach fields would be above the floodplain. Mr. Durbin informed the applicant that EPA would require the site plan to show the leach fields that will be installed as well as a reserve area for a substitute leach field. He suggested that Mr. Rankin get approval from EPA before he goes before the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. O'Malley informed that Planning Commission that the variance request needed to be addressed before Planning Commission could act upon the lot split. The Planning Commission will need to review the leach fields as well as the development plans for both of the proposed lots. In the absence of a development plan that addresses those issues specifically there would have to be strict conditions imposed. The use of the lot will depend upon the applicant securing the permits form the EPA and County Health Department to even build on the lot. After reading all the documentation in the file, it looks as if the Building Commissioner as well as the county may have different opinions on the floodplain compliance. Board Members concerns; Mr. Spalding requested that when the applicant returns the Planning Commission will want to see a development plan for parcel B. Mr. Rankin suggested that there would be no development plans, as the lot will be sold bare as a build-able lot. His intention once the soil results are received is to go to the County and have them state where the septic systems should be placed, but there will be no plans showing a house. Mr. O'Malley informed the applicant that the city needs plans for the existing lot i.e. all the permits and the septic system layout. The main concern is not the virgin lot but the permits and system that would support the existing home prior to the Planning Commission granting a lot split. Mr. Rymarczyk reviewed that the Building department would require plans for the new system, EPA permits, County Permits, Board of health permits, and elevations for both lots showing the leach 5