07-15-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 15, 1996 • ( #2 - 92131 Larry Karkela - Continued) Smith asked if there were any extenuating circumstances which resulted in this deck being constructed. Karkela said the existing lower level deck is accessed from a spiral staircase, which is cumbersome to travel down; and therefore, it is only used when he has a large number of guests. The other option is to walk down a steep hill, which is also difficult when carrying food, etc. The upper level had a walkway -type deck and was being expanded to allow its dining use. Peterson asked about the 1984 permits when the walkway was approved but a deck was not part of the application. Mabusth noted the inability of the 3' walkway deck to house a table with chairs. Mabusth added that the applicant is willing to remove portions of the lower level deck and/or parking area to offset hardcover increase. There were no public comments. Smith asked the applicant what he was willing to remove of the lower level deck in order to gain the upper level deck. Karkela said he was open to what was necessary to keep the upper level deck but noted the complexity of removing sections of lower level deck because of location of footings and need to maintain stability of the upper deck. Karkela added that the upper level deck was at the height of the roof lines of the neighboring • homes. The neighbors view to the west was said to be downward toward the lakeside. Trees separated his property from his other neighbor at the east. Stoddard asked if there were any guidelines for mitigation. Mabusth said that determination was made by the Commission and applicant adding that the applicant was aware of the structural excesses. The applicant suggested removing corner pieces from the lower deck. He was willing to remove more hardcover. Smith did not wish to take away from the driveway. Lindquist suggested removing the length of the deck to maintain the same edging on both decks. The applicant said he would prefer to cut the corners off from a style standpoint. Karkela suggested removing 6' triangles of lower deck of 36 s.f., which would result in a reduction of 11 s.f with the new deck. Smith noted that the hardcover excess was already in existence prior to the new deck. The applicant then suggested to remove the front 2 -3' of deck to the footing area along with the triangular pieces from the two front corners. This would enable the applicant to maintain the current footings. Stoddard moved, Smith seconded, to approve Application #2131 based on the design as outlined above of removing decking to the supports and corners. Schroeder inquired why the applicant waited from 1993 to 1996 to finish the project. Karkela said he had personal • matters which had required his attention. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 1, Peterson, who historically votes against allowing any average lakeshore setback variances. 2