02-18-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997 ( #5 - #2206 Elaine and Steve Silus - Continued) Hawn moved, Stoddard seconded, to recommend approval of the requested variances with the additional finding that the structural coverage is excessive and no more improvements should be allowed in the future. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 1, Schroeder. Schroeder indicated while appreciating the reduction in hardcover, the structural coverage should be maintained at 15 %. ( #6) #2207 JONATHAN AND THERESA HOFER, 3339 CRYSTAL BAY ROAD - VARIANCES - PUBLIC HEARING 7:53 -8:05 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. The Applicant was present. Van Zomeren reported that the applicant is requesting variances to Lakeshore setback, hardcover, and average lakeshore setback for the construction of an additional of a great room above the garage. The residence is located in the LR -1 C Zoning District which requires 1/2 acres and is sewered. The subject property is 6,500 s.f in size or 29% of the minimum lot size. Since there is no dedicated right -of -way but a prescriptive easement only, Van Zomeren said a street setback variance is generally not required. Hillside Place, • a 25' utility easement, is located to the west of the property and cannot be built upon. The house located east of the subject property is located on the property line as well as on Dakota Rail easement. The proposed addition will not extend beyond the existing foundation. The existing structure is located 45' from the lakeshore. The garage is located forward of the average lakeshore setback. Hardcover in the 75 -250' setback exists at 43.271/o which includes the roadway and garage. A 22.67% variance is requested in the 75 -250' setback. The structure is located 15' in front of the lakeshore setback. Van Zomeren noted the hardships to include the lot size, the proximity of the structure to the lake, the Dakota Rail and Hillside Place easements, and the substantial portion of blacktopping for Crystal Bay Road. Van Zomeren reported that Staff recommends approval noting there is no other alternative without incurring additional variances. Mrs. Hofer indicated they have not resided in the residence and have just purchased the property. It is their intent to make the necessary improvements and add some additional living space over the garage. The deck was eliminated from the plan. Smith inquired if they purchased the property with the intent of adding onto the residence. Mr. Hofer said their intention was to improve the property. They were not aware of the need for any variances as they did not intend to build outside of the footprint.