Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, October 15, 2018 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br /> <br />ROLL CALL <br /> <br />The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br />Chair John Thiesse, Commissioners Bob Erickson, Kevin Landgraver, Bruce Lemke, Dennis Libby, Chad <br />Olson, and Jon Ressler. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, <br />City Planners Melanie Curtis and Laura Oakden, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Dennis Walsh was <br />present. <br /> <br />Chair Thiesse called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> <br />2. LA18-000081 BRIAN HAAS ON BEHALF OF JEFFERY GOSSEN, 4260 SIXTH <br />AVENUE NORTH, VARIANCES, 6:31 P.M. – 6:38 P.M. <br /> <br />Jeffrey Gossen, Applicant; and Justin Hultman, Contractor, were present. <br /> <br />Oakden stated the applicant is requesting east and west side yard setback variances to allow for a home <br />addition to the existing structure. The detached garage west of the existing home is proposed to be <br />removed from the site. The applicant proposes an attached garage in its place. The current detached <br />garage sits roughly 38 feet from the west side property line. The new home addition and attached garage <br />is proposed to sit 37 feet from the west side of the property. <br /> <br />The applicant is also proposing a covered deck off the rear of the home. The deck addition is shown to <br />encroach in the east side yard setback. The current home sits 32 feet from the east side property line. The <br />covered deck addition is proposed to sit 42 feet from the east side property line. The property is <br />nonconforming in width and size. <br /> <br />Staff finds there are practical difficulties inherent to the property due to the nonconforming lot being less <br />than half the required width. This creates a challenging building envelope in the RR-1A zoning district. <br />Pertaining to the east side proposed encroachment, the applicant is not asking to be closer than the <br />principal structure in this side yard. The addition will be in the rear of the home that will not alter the <br />current side yard. <br /> <br />The Planning Commission should discuss the proposed practical difficulties. If the Commission agrees <br />with the findings, Staff would recommend a motion recommending approval for the proposed variances. <br /> <br />Oakden displayed an aerial photograph of the area showing the detached garage, the existing house, and <br />the neighboring properties. <br />The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. <br /> <br />Jeff Gossen, Applicant, stated he is here to answer questions. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked how deep the new garage will be. <br /> <br />Justin Hultman, Contractor, indicated the garage will be 28 feet in depth. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked if there will be stairs on the end.