02-22-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 22, 1995 ( #8) #1998 CRAIG WICKLUND, 3780 BAYSIDE ROAD - VARIANCES - PUBLIC HEARING - 9:35 -10:03 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Craig Wicklund and Jo Haislett were present for the application review. Mabusth explained that the applicant proposes to take down the existing structures and rebuild a new residence with an attached garage. The property consists of 1.6 acres in a 2 acre zone. The applicant seeks approval of a lot area, lot width and front setback variances. Hardships listed were the location of trees, well, elevations and drainage issues. Mabusth reminded members that the well only needs to be located 3' from the principal structure. She asked if the well should be considered as a hardship noting it is in the middle of the building envelope. Wicklund commented that he was more concerned about existing trees and drainage than the well. He felt water falling on the south and west sides of the lot has to travel completely around the house. He added that internal water problems could result if the house were pushed further back from the front lot line. He noted a natural knoll on the lot that seems to be the natural building site which is where the existing house is located. • Nolan commented that drain tile could be an issue. He noted that with demolition of the existing home, regrading will be required and it would not make any difference to move the home. An appropriate grading plan could achieve the desired results. He did not see the well as a hardship. He thought the trees on the west would be lost eventually because the residence would still come under the tree drip line. Public comments were made by Christine and Gary Valerius, 3750 Bayside Road, neighbors to the east of the subject property. They wanted to be sure there were no trees removed between the two properties. They were also concerned about the driveway because the existing driveway has an easement over their property. A portion of the driveway encroaches the Steve Gardiner property at 3780 Bayside Road. Schroeder read a letter submitted by Steve Gardiner. Gardiner requested that construction trucks do not drive past the entrance to 3780 Bayside Road. Mabusth suggested the applicant discuss the existing and continued location of the drive with Mr. Gardiner. Neither Nolan or Rowlette objected to the lot width or lot area variances. They did not see the hardship for the front setback variance. Even by removing the shed, they felt the tree would be lost. Wicklund did not think the tree would be lost with the house in its present location. Wicklund stated he wanted the house located as proposed because it is the "spirit of the lot" to have the house positioned close to the existing location. They did not want to add any additional hardcover by rearranging the house plan and adding a driveway. He added that about 1/3 of the lot is wetland and 1/3 is wooded. Smith added that she also thought the house should be located back further from the front lot line. 10