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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 17,2014 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Leskinen stated the challenge of the Planning Commission is to look into the future and envision what <br /> could possibly be done to the property. <br /> Marquardt requested the Planning Commission consider a 12-foot deck. <br /> Thiesse stated his concern with that is that it would result in a 9-foot deck with a 3-foot stairway, which is <br /> fairly small. <br /> Olson asked if the Planning Commission needs to make up 288 square feet or 783 square feet. Olson <br /> asked what square footage the Planning Commission is looking at for compliance. <br /> Curtis stated any increase in structural coverage would be up to the Planning Commission. <br /> Thiesse stated he is somewhat conflicted with structural coverage and pointed out that the applicants <br /> would actually be intensifying the structural coverage by putting the upper addition on, which the <br /> Planning Commission is fine with.Thiesse stated on the other hand,the Planning Commission is worried <br /> about adding a deck. Thiesse stated in his view this is a special case and that the deck fits in that area. <br /> Thiesse stated they are not taking a deck and spreading it out over an area but that there is a spot for it. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the flip side is the code allows the second story,which would add to the massing on the <br /> lot. <br /> Thiesse stated the Planning Commission could also deny the portions that do not meet the setback. <br /> Thiesse stated the addition will make the house appear substantially larger looking at it from the side and <br /> that the deck will hardly be noticeable. Thiesse stated the stairs are three feet wide and would be nestled <br /> into the deck. The landing for the deck is also right next to the house. Thiesse stated the stairs will be <br /> there even if the deck is pulled in or pushed out. <br /> Schoenzeit stated there is some sense to that but that he is not sure the Planning Commission can use that <br /> as the rational for not setting a precedent. <br /> Leskinen asked what conditions the Planning Commission could recommend for the deck. <br /> Cutis stated the Planning Commission could prohibit enclosing the deck or making it a heated living <br /> space. <br /> Thiesse indicated he would be agreeable to that. <br /> Landgraver stated simply because something fits in an area should not be a basis for approving it. <br /> Landgraver stated in his view there should be a practical difficulty inherent to the property. <br /> Leskinen stated this is a lakeshore lot and that it would be nice to sit outside and view the lake,which tips <br /> the balance ever so slightly in her mind. Leskinen stated she would like the property owners to be able to <br /> enjoy their property as they see fit. <br /> Page 12 of 23 <br />