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Planning Board reviews sketch amendment for 201 North Street; asks for parking, height and truck-turning details
Summary
At a sketch-plan workshop, Sebago Technics and the property owner described proposed changes to previously approved townhomes at 201 North Street. Board members asked for confirmation of parking stall dimensions, building heights, dumpster truck turning plans and emergency access around Building 17.
The Saco Planning Board on Feb. 18 reviewed a sketch-plan amendment for 201 North Street, Map 42 Lot 21, presented by Henry Hess of Sebago Technics on behalf of 300 North LLC. The applicant said the amendment removes attached garages from the previously approved units, reduces building footprints and reconfigures driveway and parking layouts while keeping the approved unit count.
Board members said the proposal appears to reduce impervious area and move driveways to provide more space between parking and the sidewalk, but asked the applicant to supply several clarifying details before the board takes further action. The board emphasized three items in particular: confirmation that driveway and stall dimensions meet city parking design standards, a full statement of overall building heights and ridgelines relative to the city’s height rules, and a truck turning overlay showing service-vehicle access to the dumpster and the rear of the site.
Why it matters: The amendment changes access and circulation for multiple townhouse units and affects sidewalk clearance, truck access and emergency response routes for an existing approved subdivision. The board said solutions that reduce on-street parking demand and avoid vehicles overhanging sidewalks would be welcome.
Key details provided by the applicant and board requests - Applicant: Henry Hess, landscape architect with Sebago Technics, said the amended units are 46 by 36 feet (previously 46 by 48) with no garages and individual driveway access. He said the change yields about 8,000 square feet less impervious surface and retains the previously approved grading and stormwater treatment footprints. - Parking and sidewalks: Board member Jeff Brochu noted the ordinance’s parking-dimension standard and asked the applicant to verify that the 20-foot-long stalls and driveway geometry conform with Section 230-1002 (parking design). Brochu asked that the applicant confirm that vehicle overhangs will not intrude on the sidewalk. - Height: Brochu also asked for an elevation showing the ridgeline so the board can confirm compliance with the 35-foot maximum building height in the zoning ordinance. - Service access and emergency access: Board member Jim Moyer asked about fire-truck access and specifically about Building 17 at the rear of the site; chair and applicant discussed previous reviews and the possibility of an abutter easement if additional emergency access is needed. The board asked the applicant to confirm with Fire Chief Dave Pendleton before returning.
Next steps: The applicant agreed to return with updated drawings that show the overall building height (roof peak), a truck turning-movement overlay for the trash pickup location, confirmation of the dumpster location relative to the previously approved plan, and a parking-stall verification tied to the city’s parking design standard. The board indicated no immediate request for new photometric plans unless lighting poles must be moved.
Speakers quoted or referenced: Henry Hess, landscape architect with Sebago Technics (applicant); Emily Cole Prescott, City Planner (staff); Jeff Brochu, Planning Board member; Jim Moyer, Planning Board member; Matt Provencal, Planning Board chair.
Ending: The application remains at sketch-plan review. The applicant will provide the requested technical clarifications to staff and return to the board with updated drawings.
