11-27-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 16, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Although they are gaining a significant amount of lot area, the property owners are proposing an addition which will triple the size of the home on the property, adding more structure and hardcover within the already burdened average setback and lake setback areas. They are proposing the connection in the most inconspicuous place possible, which will also avoid impact impacting the existing generator and mechanicals on the side of the home. However, the existing conditions do not necessarily constitute a practical difficulty supporting the variances. In addition, the necessity for the work proposed within the 75 -foot setback area to install retaining walls and create a driving path for ATVs and lawn maintenance vehicles is partially self-created. The tree removal on the lake slope and the grading were done without City permits. The applicant was directed to provide a detailed restoration plan, some of which may be addressed on the landscape plan. However, the proposed lakeshore retaining walls are not supported by a practical difficulty in the opinion of Staff. As it regards 2710 Pence Lane, the applicants' preceding variance request results in a restriction of the buildable envelope for the new home on the property as it is getting quite a bit smaller. As currently configured, the property had ample opportunity for a new residence to meet the required average lakeshore setback. The applicant is proposing a new home on the newly created lot which will increase the mass of the structure on the property within the average lakeshore setback. The applicant is also proposing to increase the mass on the east side, possibly further impacting the property owner to the east. The limited building area on the property after the lot line rearrangement results in the applicant creating existing conditions which do not necessarily constitute a practical difficulty supporting the variances. In addition, the necessity for the work proposed within the 75 -foot setback area to install retaining walls and create a driving path is partially self-created. The tree removal on the lake slope and the grading were done without City oversight. The applicant was directed to provide a detailed restoration plan. The Planning Commission should open a public hearing to address each of the specific applications, receive comments from the public and review them as necessary. Three separate motions should be made regarding the three separate applications. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Sue Dunkley, Applicant, stated they have lived at 2709 Walters Port since 1984. The adjoining property was purchased recently and discussions have been had with the City since May regarding the proposals. Dunkley noted they received an email at 6:32 p.m. Friday night that raised the back lot issue, which had never had come up before. Dunkley stated they do not have a variance request submitted for that because they were not aware of it but that they have attached information regarding all the other variance requests. Dunkley indicated she did speak with Melanie about the back lot earlier in the day. Dunkley stated their house sits on .56 acres, with the house being built in the 1950s. Dunkley commented the house is very sandwiched on the lot and that they were very excited about being able to purchase the other lot and bring their lot more into compliance. Dunkley stated when they started having discussions with Staff in May, they knew there were lots of questions and issues that would need to be addressed. Dunkley stated they knew they would be able to Page 4 of 32