11-13-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 13, 1995 • ( #7 - 400';7 Tamar Nvctrnm - ('nntimiiPrl) Frazee said the problem with meeting the side setback lies with the desire to keep a low profile_ an understated cottage look_ so as not to dominate the neighborhood. To decrease the floor plan would cause the applicant to build a two -story to gain the needed space. Frazee asked the Council to reconsider their decision, taking into account the benefits gained by the proposal, concessions and expenses made, especially the house being moved out of the 75' zone. Nystrom commented that the house and .garage as they exist are contrary to the City comprehensive plan. He felt he was taking a proactive approach with his proposal. Nystrom said he was only asking for 12" to maximize his space as he does not wish to have a two -story home. Callahan noted that the three Council members present at the prior application review were Kelley, Hurr, and himself. Ga$ion added that there was also the issue of the overhang. The code allows for a 1 -1/2' overhang. The proposed overhang is 2.2' with the additional 6" variance resulting in a 7- 1/2' setback from the drip line to the lot line. With the additional variance, Gaffron said there is still a better setback from the south but closer on the north side. It was noted that one side of the residence is available for emergency vehicles to go around. • Hurr said, because in replacement we consider this as a new lot, she saw no hardship to allow the house to not meet code. Even with the positive changes, Hurr felt it would set a bad precedent to allow the variances. Callahan noted that with the bad situation as is represented by the property now, the changes result in many positives. Frazee added that the applicant was also taking a perfectly good garage and rebuilding it to meet hardcover goals. Goetten questioned why the house cannot be redesigned as the overage is only 6" on each side. Frazee said the interior would be affected by P and would result in too narrow a headroom in the master bedroom with the slanted walls. The master bedroom width was said to be 15' with the slope beginning at 4'6 ". Nystrom said he realized the Planning Commission and Council made exceptions in other cases and asked that it also be done here. A neighboring property was cited as an example but noted to have gained a variance due to a drainage problem. Hurr commented that a variance requires a condition under which there be a hardship, not self-created. Frazee reitereated the need to maintain a low profile and not overpower the neighborhood. •