07-16-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,July 16,2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Greg Gruman, 1980 Heritage Drive,stated the existing detached structure is in rough shape and this would be a beautification of the neighborhood. The new location would increase the current setback and provide some additional boundary between the building and the road. Acting Chair Lemke opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. There were no public comments relating to this application. Acting Chair Lemke closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Lemke commented it is a fairly straight forward application and appears to be an improvement over what currently exists. Erickson stated in his view the project is good and that he will support it,but it appears the application was signed with a first name only. Erickson stated he has never seen that before and asked whether that is acceptable. Oakden stated Staff can look into that. Oakden noted all applications are received digitally at the present time,and as long as it is signed digitally, it is considered a complete submittal. Libby commented he is very familiar with the site and that he has visited the site and reviewed the elevations. Libby stated it is a very nice,private lot,but that he did not pay as much attention to the delineated wetland areas in the front. Libby noted there is a substantial grade up from there and that he would suggest the applicant and City make sure there is plenty of buffer or barrier between the project and the wetland to protect them since wetlands are a major part of the character of Orono. Erickson moved,Libby seconded,to recommend approval of Application No.LA18-000060,Jay Mittelstaedt, 1980 Heritage Lane,granting of a front yard setback. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. 3. LA18-000061 JIM CLEARY,2775 CRESTVIEW AVENUE,VARIANCES,6:40 P.M.— 6:58 P.M. Jim Cleary,Applicant, was present. Oakden stated the applicant is requesting lot area,lot width,and rear setback variances in order to construct a new single-family home. The applicant is proposing to tear down the existing home and place the new home to match the front setback of the neighboring properties. The home will be centered on the lot. The proposed rear yard setback for the deck is 32.8 feet and 40.8 feet from the principle structure to the rear property line where 50 feet is required. The new home is proposed to be a 2-story home with a full basement. The property is nonconforming to size at 0.14 acres in the LR-1A,2-acre district. The applicant originally submitted a survey showing 34 percent hardcover where 35 percent is allowed. The surveyor has updated that to show 31.1 percent hardcover. Staff finds there are inherent practical difficulties with the small lot in the LR-1A, 2-acre zone. The applicant has made an effort to meet the district standards for a new home and is requesting the rear yard setback,lot area and lot width variances. Page 2 of 13