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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, July 16, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ lot area, and average lakeshore setback variances. As it relates to the hardcover variance, should the Planning Commission determine that practical difficulties exist supporting the proposed level, a recommendation for approval of a hardcover variance would also be appropriate. Regarding the interim use permit, the proposed plan conforms to the standards of IUP review. The grading will be tied to the building permit review and reviewed by the City Engineer. Staff recommends approval of the IUP. Landgraver asked which lot is currently vacant. Curtis stated the home to the east has been demoed and there is an accessory structure on the property which does not factor into the average lakeshore calculation. Because there is no home on the property, the calculation is made from a distance rather than a line. Corbin Benson, Charlie & Company Design, stated there are two main variance requests, and those are the hardcover variance for the driveway and the average lakeshore setback for the terrace. Benson stated his understanding of the intent of the setback is to keep that terrace as low as possible. One thing that is interesting about the property is that it transitions from the higher elevation to the west down towards marsh land, and so a lot of the existing slope gradually runs down the width of the lot. The property owners would like to flatten out that area, keep the terrace within 42 inches, and maintain the character of the shoreline. Chair John Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Erickson stated he would like to congratulate the applicants in their effort to fit the project into the City’s existing ordinances in spite of the handicap that it is a one-acre lot in a two-acre zone. The applicants have done a terrific job in complying with that and still have a viable project. Libby stated the dirt movement appears to be very complementary and the efforts to reduce the hard surface on the property are commendable. Landgraver stated he agrees with what has already been said. As it relates to the hardcover, whenever the Planning Commission is approving a blank sheet, they do try to have the hardcover comply, but given the need for the long driveway, that should not be held against them. Thiesse indicated he is agreeable with that. Lemke commented he is a little upset about the amount of hardcover. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair John Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Erickson moved, Landgraver seconded, to recommend approval of Maria Larenas and Charlie and Co. Design, 2455 North Shore Drive, lot area, lot width, average lakeshore setback, and hardcover variances as well as an interim use permit. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.