08/19/2013 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,August 19 2013 6:30 o'clock p.m. The applicants' existing home is set back 15.8 feet from the front property line. The applicants are proposing 2 one-story additions to the existing residence. The northern addition will consist of 442 square feet and the addition on the south will be 790 square feet including the new attached garage space. An 83 square foot portion of the existing home will be removed/incorporated into the garage addition. In total,the additions will nearly double the amount of structural coverage on the property but will conform to the 15 percent limitation. The applicants are also proposing to construct a low,uncovered porch 18 inches above grade along the front of the home. The uncovered porch is proposed to encroach within 9.5 feet of the front property line, which is acceptable if it conforms to the non-encroachments provision for uncovered porches in the Zoning Code. The applicants are also proposing to incorporate a decorative planter/bench element into the porch design. The planter and bench, which will not be an integral part of the porch, will sit on the floor of the porch and be movable. However, it could give the appearance of an additional two feet to the height of the front porch. Curtis noted the proposed northerly addition will not encroach closer to the rear property line than the existing home. The applicants are proposing an attached garage addition on the south side of the house which is proposed to be set back 19 feet from the rear where a 50-foot setback is required. The garage addition will encroach 19 feet closer to the rear lot line than the existing home. The existing one-stall detached garage is proposed to be removed. The separation from the adjacent property on the south will be improved with removal of the garage and construction of the addition. However,the addition will still encroach 15 plus feet into the required 30-foot setback. Staff finds the size and dimensions of the property serve as a practical difficulty with prevents development of this property. The applicants' existing home is, to a degree, driving the additions. However, it is not possible to construct a home in a conforming location on the property. Curtis noted one neighbor comment was received today and has been distributed to the Planning Commissioners for inclusion in the record. Staff recommends approval of the variance as requested. Landgraver asked if the letter received today was generally supportive of the application. Curtis indicated it was. Paul Warner,Applicant, indicated he does not have any additional comments to add to Staffs report. Acting Chair Landgraver opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. There were no comments regarding this application. Acting Chair Landgraver closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Schoenzeit commented this is a difficult lot. Page 13 of 28