10-15-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

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, MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,October 15,2018 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,Kevin Landgraver, Bruce Lemke, Dennis Libby, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17,2018 Libby moved,Lemke seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of September 17,2018,as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 2. LA18-000081 BRIAN HAAS ON BEHALF OF JEFFERY GOSSEN,4260 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH,VARIANCES,6:31 P.M.—6:38 P.M. Jeffrey Gossen,Applicant; and Justin Hultman, Contractor,were present. Oakden stated the applicant is requesting east and west side yard setback variances to allow for a home addition to the existing structure. The detached garage west of the existing home is proposed to be removed from the site. The applicant proposes an attached garage in its place. The current detached garage sits roughly 38 feet from the west side property line. The new home addition and attached garage is proposed to sit 37 feet from the west side of the property. The applicant is also proposing a covered deck off the rear of the home. The deck addition is shown to encroach in the east side yard setback. The current home sits 32 feet from the east side property line. The covered deck addition is proposed to sit 42 feet from the east side property line. The property is nonconforming in width and size. Staff finds there are practical difficulties inherent to the property due to the nonconforming lot being less than half the required width. This creates a challenging building envelope in the RR-1A zoning district. Pertaining to the east side proposed encroachment,the applicant is not asking to be closer than the principal structure in this side yard. The addition will be in the rear of the home that will not alter the current side yard. The Planning Commission should discuss the proposed practical difficulties. If the Commission agrees with the findings, Staff would recommend a motion recommending approval for the proposed variances. Oakden displayed an aerial photograph of the area showing the detached garage,the existing house, and the neighboring properties.