10-21-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 21, 1996 ( #5 - #2179 Theresa Norsted - Continued) In discussing the front placement of the garage doors, Mabusth informed Stoddard that trees would be lost otherwise and there would be a major increase in hardcover if changed to a side entry. The 18' proposed setback is also an improvement over that of the neighboring garages. In discussing the side setback at 2' with the garage overhang, it was noted that the neighboring garages are 1' from the lot line and no specific requirements or concerns have been noted by the building inspector. Norsted said she also spoke with her neighbors. All agreed that the trees were a valued asset. Stoddard asked Norsted if she would consider a smaller garage. Mabusth noted that Norsted had been willing to remove a grade level patio in order to maintain the 24'x24' garage size. The Planning Commission did not encourage the garage to be moved closer to the street in order to lessen the hardcover. Hawn noted the room to maneuver allowed safer access. The issue of the outside staircase instead of an inside staircase was discussed. The staircase adds 35 s.f of additional hardcover. Hawn suggested a pull -down staircase along the back of the garage. Concern was voiced over how it would change the roof • style. Norsted was concerned with the ability to move around inside the garage and with the look of the garage. Mabusth noted that hardcover and structural coverage would be reduced if the staircase were moved inside the garage. The storage area is not planned for heat or plumbing. McMillan suggested the pull -down staircase be located between the two stalls. Stoddard asked if Staff recommended the side staircase. Mabusth said it was not discussed with applicant and is part of the amended plan. She noted there is no side setback variance with the amended plan for the deck addition. The hardcover variance is 3.5% and structural coverage at 0.6 %. The grade level patio was not counted as structure but was reflected in the hardcover calculations. Berg asked if the applicant would consider a 22'x22' garage. Norsted asked if it would help if the staircase with deck attached to garage was removed from the proposal. Schroeder noted that the purpose is to stay at or below the structural coverage allotment. Schroeder also informed Norsted that it was likely that she would end up with an interior staircase due to the difficulty in the winter in accessing the storage by an outside staircase. Schroeder commented that if the outside staircase was removed, he would be inclined to support the proposal. There were no public comments. •