05-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. LA19-000021 BEN AND KATRINA WASSCHER, 4775 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, VARIANCES, 7:37 P.M. – 7:42 P.M. Ben Wasscher, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting a rear (street) yard setback variance to construct a 269 square foot addition to the existing home 22.3 feet from the North Shore Drive west property line where a 30-foot setback is required. Due to the extreme topography and bluff on the lake side of the property, the home is located nearer to the rear street lot line than is permitted. The addition conforms to all codes except for the rear yard setback. At 22.3, the applicant is attempting to keep the rear yard encroachment less than the existing home, which is set back 21.3 feet. Staff finds practical difficulties supporting the variance for the addition based on the topography of the lot and the location of the existing home. The neighbors on either side have submitted comments in support of the proposal. Planning Staff recommends approval. The applicant should be required to demonstrate the relocation of the AC pad will be in a conforming location. Staff recommends the City require an encroachment agreement to address the applicant’s existing retaining walls which encroach on to the adjacent City property to the west. A draft agreement can be provided for City Council review. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Ben Wasscher, Applicant, stated he can answer any questions. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Thiesse asked if an easement is required for the city property. Curtis stated an encroachment agreement would need to be executed. Bollis indicated he is in favor of the application subject to Staff recommendations. McCutcheon stated the addition is pretty conservative and that he is in favor of it. Erickson stated he is support of Staff recommendations, Libby stated he concurs. Ressler commented the application is pretty straight forward. Gettman stated he is in agreement with Staff recommendations.