01-08-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 20, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Thiesse stated he tends to lean toward approval since the neighbors are in favor of it and that in his view the average lakeshore setback is something that can be manipulated depending on the circumstances. Thiesse noted the neighbor to the north is already 65 feet from the cove and that he cannot go any closer. Lemke commented he sees it both ways and that the Planning Commission likely would have approved the average lakeshore setback because it seems to be a reasonable addition to the house. Thiesse asked if the practical difficulty could be that this was created by his contractor. Curtis indicated the applicant is the person responsible for his property. Landgraver asked if there are any configurations that would have stayed within the average lakeshore setback. Curtis noted the red line is the average lakeshore setback line and that there is room to construct a porch and outdoor patio area or they could have made it smaller. Olson commented he is not happy the application is in front of them but that he cannot see making them _ remove it. I Schoenzeit stated since there are no neighbors' complaints and the setback is not in play from the neighbors' standpoint, that would be allowed by the Planning Commission. Schoenzeit stated if someone put a dotted line on the true shoreline and not the manmade cove, the structure would not be in the setback. Schoenzeit stated in his view this is a unique situation and that he could possibly buy the argument that the true shoreline is beyond the cove. Thiesse asked if he would consider the shoreline to be where the boathouse used to be. Schottler stated from the boathouse it would be measured at 102 feet. Schoenzeit commented he finds it hard to believe that a contractor did not know the footings had to be inspected and that the City should consider keeping a list of contractors who violate the City's regulations.