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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,May 20,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Mike Johnsrud,Applicant,was present. <br /> Oakden stated the applicant is requesting a variance to exceed the allowed square footage for an oversized <br /> accessory structure from 1,200 to 1,432 square feet. The property is located in a planned residential <br /> development within the RR-1A zoning district,which is a 5-acre zoning district. The property is <br /> permitted to have a total of 2,400 accessory building square footage. It is permitted to have one oversized <br /> accessory structure, but no single structure may exceed 1,200 square feet. <br /> The existing detached building was built in 2017. The property owner is requesting to add a 280 square <br /> foot addition to the existing 1,152 square foot building creating a 1,432 square foot building. This would <br /> be 232 square feet over the allowed 1,200 square foot footprint. The code allows a secondary accessory <br /> structure not to exceed 999 square feet on the property. The proposal meets the setbacks. The application <br /> regulations have been included in Staffs memo. <br /> Staff finds the submitted application does not meet the practical difficulties standards. The applicant has <br /> indicated they need the additional square footage for trailer storage due to theft and vandalism and safety <br /> and security for their possessions. The applicant further believes that the addition is financially beneficial, <br /> environmentally beneficial, and neighborly. <br /> Staff finds the applicant can meet the City Code by building a separate accessory structure. There are not <br /> any unique circumstances with the land or the use to support a variance to allow an accessory building <br /> larger than the code would permit. The applicant has not demonstrated that the property is unique to <br /> support the variance and reasonable use of the property has been achieved via the construction of the <br /> house and the 1,152 square foot accessory structure. <br /> To date no public comments have been received,but the applicant did submit signatures of the neighbors <br /> in support of the project. <br /> Gettman asked what the required amount of space between the two buildings is. <br /> Oakden stated to her understanding it is ten feet according to state building code. <br /> Gettman asked whether there is that room. <br /> Oakden indicated they could possibly pivot the building slightly to achieve that ten feet or construct it on <br /> the other side of the property. <br /> Gettman asked whether other options were discussed with the applicant. <br /> Oakden stated a specific location was not discussed and is left up to the applicant. Oakden stated it is her <br /> belief the applicant did speak with other staff members about possible options. <br /> Mike Johnsrud,Applicant, stated he would like to add on to his current structure since where the gravel <br /> area currently is a structure will not fit. The proposed location is the most environmentally friendly spot. <br /> The elevation is quite steep behind the existing structure, so getting down there creates a number of <br /> problems. To the right of the existing structure is where this structure would sit. <br /> Page 7 of 16 <br />