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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 /> neighborhood. Staff has not identified a practical difficulty inherent to the property which supports <br /> granting hardcover or structural coverage variances. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of a side setback variance allowing for the construction of the <br /> second story improvements to the home conditioned upon screening from neighboring properties as the <br /> Planning Commission deems appropriate and feasible. The additions must conform to the standard height <br /> and massing requirements of the zoning code. Staff finds no practical difficulties exist which support the <br /> hardcover or structural coverage variances. As a result,those requested variances should be denied. <br /> Leskinen asked how the Planning Commission can account for the difference in the calculation between <br /> the 2001 approval and the current survey. <br /> Curtis stated the Planning Commission should focus on the square footages and that it is not uncommon <br /> for surveys done years apart to have discrepancies in square footage based on where the lake was <br /> measured. Curtis stated the square footages are matched up easily enough but exceed the approved level. <br /> Leskinen asked approximately where the deck would be located. <br /> Curtis stated the dotted line shows the location of the deck and that there is a portion of the patio that <br /> currently sticks out. Curtis indicated the deck is angled somewhat. <br /> Leskinen asked whether the deck would go completely over the existing stone patio. <br /> Curtis indicated the deck would be larger than the existing stone patio. <br /> Leskinen asked if the stone patio will remain. <br /> Curtis stated the stone patio can remain but that the applicants can clarify whether it will be removed. <br /> Gary Marquardt, Applicant, stated they have resided in the house for 29 years, and when they remodeled <br /> in 2001, they had two kids in college, and that they now have eight grandchildren,with six of them being <br /> under the age of ten. Marquardt stated the functionality of the house has changed,and that when they <br /> visit, which is frequently,they would like all of the kids and parents to be on the same floor when <br /> sleeping,which is the reason for moving the bedroom. <br /> Marquardt stated it is important to note that the structural changes,not including the deck,do not change <br /> the external footprint of the house. There also is a need for additional storage in the house. Marquardt <br /> indicated the house was constructed long ago and is located in the apex of Spring Cove. Marquardt stated <br /> when he and the neighbor put their docks in,they have to be careful because they can touch at the end. <br /> Marquardt stated as it relates to the deck,the essential character of this neighborhood is that every house <br /> except this one has a deck. Marquardt stated in his view the deck will make the house more functional <br /> during their retirement years. The setback for the corner of the house is 2.7 feet from the lot line. <br /> Marquardt indicated when they constructed the garage,there was double sheet rock placed on the walls <br /> for fire protection. <br /> Marquardt stated as it relates to the deck, they have a grandchild who has some physical ailments, and <br /> that when he heads for the lake, without a deck,they can only see him for a short distance but then have <br /> to go out the house to continue to follow him. Marquardt stated that is the primary hardship for them but <br /> Page 8 of 23 <br />