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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 16,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> 2. 15-3769 CHRIS LAPPEN AND KALLYN BIALOWAS,3409 EAST LAKE STREET, <br /> VARIANCES,6:32 P.M.—6:56 P.M. (continued) <br /> Chris Lappen, Applicant, reviewed some photographs depicting the property and house. Lappen pointed <br /> out the stake depicted in the photograph is approximately one foot off the property line. As it relates to <br /> the health of the maple tree,the hardcover will be approximately six feet from the tree and will result in a <br /> better situation than what currently exists. <br /> Lappen stated the next photograph depicts a view of their property from the neighbor's property. The <br /> neighbor has a tuck-under garage and this photograph depicts a view from that neighbor's patio looking <br /> over the lake. Lappen stated the neighbor does have clear views of the lake, with the biggest obstacle <br /> being a tree on her property. Lappen stated from a first floor level,the neighbor's view should not be <br /> obstructed at all by the garage. <br /> The next photograph shows the side of the neighbor's house. Lappen pointed out all the windows are on <br /> the second level and to his understanding they are 13 feet high, which would allow her to look over the <br /> garage and see the lake. On the south side of the residence,the windows are also 13 feet high. Lappen <br /> indicated they have lowered the pitch of the roof to mitigate the neighbor's concern regarding her view. <br /> Lappen stated they are looking for a simple two-car garage to fit their vehicles in there along with some <br /> equipment. Lappen indicated he did obtain an estimate to construct a detached garage. The attached <br /> garage does not include definitive costs for the foundation since it is unknown whether pilings will be <br /> required. If it was attached, it would need to be a single-car garage, which is not feasible to do both <br /> economically and functionally. It would also hinder the value of their house because the east-facing <br /> windows would need to be removed. Lappen stated they are not asking for an extravagant garage and that <br /> they simply want a two-car garage, with steps being taken to mitigate the concerns of the neighbor. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if the Planning Commission can consider the fact that pilings would be required,which <br /> is not typical. <br /> Gaffron stated he is not sure whether the estimates were intended to show hardship or for information but <br /> the fact that pilings may be required could have some weight but that would be up to the Planning <br /> Commission. Gaffron stated the slab on grade garage as proposed is more flexible when it comes to <br /> location and that when it is attached to the house, questions arise as to whether the foundation of the <br /> house is adequate. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if there is any precedent for pilings. <br /> Gaffron stated it is more of a cost issue than anything. <br /> Page 4 of 29 <br />