02-11-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, July 16, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Staff recommends approval of the average lakeshore setback variance to allow construction of the home addition and pergola as shown on the proposed plans. Approval should be subject to the applicant providing an updated survey accurately depicting the existing conditions as well as the proposed improvements prior to issuance of any permits for the project. Landgraver asked what the constraint would be for a second story to be placed on the pergola in the future. Curtis indicated they would require a variance for an expansion. Jim Sweeney, Mom’s Design Build, stated he can answer any questions the Commissioners may have. Chair John Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair John Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Landgraver commented this appears to be an example where the views are not being impacted by the proposed variance. Thiesse stated the intent of the average lakeshore setback is the view and that the City has received letters from both neighbors stating that it will have no impact on their view. Thiesse stated the applicants have very little area to develop and that he takes that as a practical difficulty. Landgraver stated to his recollection there was a similar application from one of the other houses on the street. Curtis indicated the City reviewed variances for this lot and possibly another lot in 2014. Landgraver stated in his view there are extenuating circumstances that support the variance. Erickson stated one aspect of this goes back to the uniqueness factor, which is oftentimes looked for in variance applications, and that relates to the fact that it is a channel lot. Erickson noted there are also five other channel lots and there could be more lots that are located on the channel. The City looked at another lakeshore lot where the shoreline jutted out and created a peninsula, which none of these have, and as a result it would be difficult to refer to this as unique to this property. Lemke stated in this situation the proposal works perfectly and that he is fine with it. Libby noted variances are taken on a case-by-case basis and that he does not see any detrimental outcome from this so he would be in favor of approving it. Lemke moved, Erickson seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA18-000099, John Ortiz, 835 Forest Arms Lane, variances. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.