06-21-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 219 1997 ( #9 - #2259 Mark and Laurie Headrick - Continued) The 1.78 acre property has .4 acres of wetland to the rear. The house is located on an elevated portion of the property which drops off to the wetlands. The property has a failing septic system. The area is being considered for municipal sewer but at a cost of about $30,000 per unit. The neighborhood has suggested the cost is prohibitive and sewer installation is not scheduled. Gaffron said the drainfield replacement capability is limited due to the topography of the property. The information includes a letter of hardship. The main issue is with the side setback. The front setback for the 2'x10' wide bump out is small. Staff feels the side setback request is extreme from 30' to 5'. He noted that the 1/2 acre zoning, Orono's least restrictive district, requires 10' setback. Gaffron compared the home's location to the neighboring properties. It has the least separation between homes in the neighborhood and he feels the separation should be maintained in the two -acre zoning. He did note that the property is limited for location of an addition. He asked the Commission to consider the addition approval with respect to the neighboring property location and asked for direction. • Lindquist read the letter from neighbor, Tobin Dayton, into the record. The letter opposes the proposal. Headrick said they have looked at their options noting the restrictions. They are requesting a kitchen/family room addition. They were informed that foundation work to locate the addition elsewhere would be too expensive. They are also concerned with the aesthetics. Headrick indicated that the kitchen is situated in this corner of the house. The proposed garage is as small as possible for two cars. During public comments, Tobin Dayton said he was present to answer any questions about the letter noted. Smith noted that adding onto the other side and enclosing the deck would not address the kitchen. Headrick said the property drops off 12' at that location and fill is currently located there. Lindquist indicated that there are homes where no additions can be located. He saw a problem with a 5' setback and felt the addition could not extend to that degree. Smith agreed. Headrick responded that other properties in the neighborhood have received variances. Schroeder said it would be less problematic to go forward towards the street with an addition. • Headrick questioned whether a garage could be placed in front of the garage. Lindquist said it 15