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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,March 18,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Staff finds that due to the applicant's choice to build a replacement home within the existing footprint, <br /> there are difficulties limiting the volume expansion within the existing setback from the lake. The <br /> location of the neighboring homes creating the average lakeshore setback also impacts the proposed <br /> volume increases. The proposed 61.2-foot setback from the lake affects the opportunities for <br /> improvements on the lake side of the home. <br /> The relocation of the lakeside patio to the main level of the home results in the loss of the <br /> "nonconforming" status of the existing patio setback and hardcover. The new patio request may be <br /> reasonable, but Staff suggests a reduction in the size so that the 75-foot zone hardcover is not increased <br /> over existing. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval subject to the Planning Commission agreeing with or identifying <br /> practical difficulties supporting the variance. Staff does not support the larger patio in the 75-foot lake <br /> yard as proposed. <br /> The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. <br /> Tom Rauscher, Applicant, stated they looked to keep this project from being too disruptive,which is why <br /> they are proposing to use a portion of the existing foundation. Currently there is no proper terrace there <br /> but there was a small little one in the rear corner. There are also the current stone steps. What is being <br /> proposed is to have a patio that is livable up on the main floor without having to deal with the garden <br /> level or the walkout on the side of the house. Lakeside living is why the Habermans are purchasing this <br /> house and they would like to construct the patio as proposed, but they would be willing to utilize pervious <br /> material if necessary. <br /> Landgraver asked what the dimensions of the porch are. <br /> Rauscher noted it is not really a porch but the structure is somewhere around 16' x 22 or 23 feet. They <br /> will be taking the upper portion by the stairs and pushing it out to where the current steps are going down <br /> to the grade. <br /> Thiesse asked if they are proposing to utilize the existing foundation. <br /> Rauscher indicated they are planning to utilize at least three-fourths of it. The front side is going to have <br /> an addition put on to it so the front wall of the foundation will be torn out. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. <br /> Landgraver commented everything about the plan is smart but the patio. There is a little bit of massing <br /> associated with the house,but the homeowners are making the most out of the space. Landgraver stated <br /> in his view the patio is a little bit of a stretch since this is new construction. <br /> Ressler indicated he agrees with Commissioner Landgraver and that encroaching further on the lakeshore <br /> is something that is generally resisted, especially when there is not a lot of reason for supporting it. <br /> Page 2 of 13 <br />