05-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. LA19-000020 VENIAMIN BOCHARNIKOV, 3593 CRYSTAL PLACE, VARIANCES, 7:31 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. Veniamin Bocharnikov, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting front and side yard setback variances and a driveway setback variance in order to construct additions to the existing home. The existing home has a partial second story and no garage. It is situated 3.4 feet from the east lot line. The property is nonconforming as to width, and per Section 78-350, may utilize a setback no less than 7.5 feet. The footprint expansions on the west side of the home will be conforming at eight feet where a 7.5-foot setback is required. The applicant proposes to construct a garage addition to the rear of the home as well as add living space above the new and existing portions of the home. Side setback variances are being requested to allow building expansions 3.4 feet from the east side lot line where a 7.5-foot setback is required for the majority of the additions. The additions will be conforming on the west side lot line. A front yard setback variance is also required to construct the covered entry over the stoop 23 feet from the front where a 30-foot setback is required. The proposed driveway is shown one foot from the west property line where a 5-foot setback is required. The existing gravel driveway will be reduced and moved west to accommodate access past the home and provide access to the side load garage addition in the rear. There is an existing privacy fence on the west lot line screening this driveway and its impacts from the adjacent neighbor. The existing home, at the nonconforming setback, can be legally rebuilt in kind. Staff finds the lot width and size and existing home setbacks are practical difficulties preventing an upward expansion of the home or a logical addition to the home. The flexibility afforded by the Zoning Code from the side and front yard setbacks do not eliminate the need for variances for this project. No public comments have been received. Planning Staff recommends approval of the front yard and side yard setback variances for the addition. The applicant should assure the roof does not drain to the east and the new driveway does not drain to the west onto the neighbor’s property. In addition, the driveway should be adjusted at the street so to accommodate the City Engineer’s recommendations. Curtis displayed an aerial photograph of the property and pointed out the location of the addition. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Veniamin Bocharnikov, Applicant, stated he can answer any questions. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Erickson indicated he is supportive of Staff’s recommendation.