07-18-2016 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July18,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Acting Chair Bruce Lemke, Commissioners Denise Leskinen, Chris McGrann, Chad Olson, Loren Schoenzeit, and Jon Schwingler. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Members Lizz Levang and Dennis Walsh were present. Acting Chair Lemke called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2016 Schoenzeit moved,Leskinen seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of June 20,2016,as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. 2. #16-3839 REVISION,LLC, ON BEHALF OF SHARON OLSON-NESBITT,865 FERNDALE ROAD WEST,VARIANCES, 6:33 P.M.—6:43 P.M. Sharon Olson-Nesbitt, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting variances in order to construct a 24' x 24' attached garage addition on the north side of the existing home. The original home on the property was constructed in approximately 1938, predating the City's current setback requirements. Due to the proximity of the home to the lake and the east side property line, setback variances are requested. The existing home is situated as close as 20 feet to the lake. Expanding the addition over the existing garage over the driveway will encroach as close as 10.2 feet to the side lot line. The home is situated at an angle with the views oriented toward the lake. Currently it is as close as 10.6 feet from the east property line. Hardcover variances are being requested to permit a slight reduction from 34.73 percent to 34.64 percent. The new garage will be constructed primarily over existing driveway hardcover. There will be some new structural hardcover both within and outside the 0-75 foot zone. The proposed addition has a 7' x 24' portion within the 75-foot setback area. Approximately 15 square feet would be considered new hardcover in an area that is currently pervious. The applicant is proposing to remove and replace the driveway on the property into a more functional configuration. Staff finds the variance to encroach within the 75-foot setback to be minimal. The proposed side setback variance is also reasonable considering the orientation of the home and the resulting 10-foot side setback which allows for adequate open space between the garage and the home to the east. Staff suggests that reductions could be made to the proposed driveway in conjunction with other mitigating measures to encourage stormwater infiltration. Curtis stated a practical difficulties analysis was provided in the staff report and Staff can go over that criteria if the Planning Commission would like. The Planning Commission may consider the following motion alternatives: Page 1 of 19