08-21-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 21, 1995 ( #3 - #2036 Robert Gountanis - Continued) Mabusth reported that it had been stated at the prior Planning Commission meeting that the Commission was an advisory body only and made recommendations to the Council, who is the determining body for all applications. The applicant was warned of this, and applicant advised he would go forward with the purchase based on the Planning Commission recommendation. The Planning Commission did not allow excess of structural coverage and said they were dealing with intensification of the structure on a sub - standard lot. The applicant referred to the Planning Commission action notice, which relayed an attached 22x22' garage was recommended with a minimum setback of 3' and adjacent to the right side. It also noted the 1500 s.f lot coverage maximum. Gountanis said it did not mention not allowing a 2 -story garage. Lindquist said the approval was for a 2 -story house but the Planning Commission was unaware of a 2 -story garage. Smith said the location of the door was determined due to the need for minimal impact on • the public right of way. Gountanis said the elevation plan was presented showing the 2 -story garage, which was verified by Mabusth. Peterson, who was not in attendance at that particular meeting, noted that the minutes of the July 17 meeting made no reference to a second story for the garage nor were any detailed floor plans presented. The applicant responded that he could not provide detailed floor plans without knowing what the rules were. The plans call for the same foot print, which is 980 s.f for the residence plus the garage area, for a total of 1492 s.f. The structural coverage amount deals only with the foot print itself, not the square footage of the interior. It would not include the second story of the house or of a garage. The ordinance relating to a no massing effect was mentioned. It was also noted that the survey was current. Hawn said she was not present at the meeting when the recommendation was made. However from the discussion tonight, if a second story to the garage was discussed, it would be denied. Hawn said the Planning Commission's duty is to provide the best recommendation to the Council along with the best advice. At this time, a 2 -story garage on that lot has been determined to be too much. The best recommendation and advice gained from this meeting then would be to deny the second story to the garage. • There were no public comments.