08-18-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 18, 1997 0 ACTION ITEM ( #3) #2253 DAVID REINHOLD, 3551 LIVINGSTON AVENUE - VARIANCES - PUBL1C HEARING 7:15 -7:30 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. The Applicant was present. Gaffron reported that the application is a request for lot area and lot width variances to construct a new residence on a small lot located at 3551 Livingston Avenue. The lots in this area were platted in the early 1909s before zoning codes were in effect. There is an existing house on the property. The zoning district requires 21,780 s.f in lot area and 100' width. The property is 6,725 s.f. and 50' wide. Required setbacks are 30' front and rear and 10' side. The house is within the 500 -1000' setback of the lake where 35% hardcover is allowed. The lot is allowed 1500 s.f structural coverage. Gaffron indicated that the existing house is in poor condition. The applicant plans to remove the house and either rebuild on the lot, as a building site, or sell it as vacant land or sell the lot to add to a neighboring property. There are no house specifications as of yet for the site. Because of that, Staff reviewed the lot area and zoning requirements and • calculated what a conforming residence might include. An example would be a 28x36' house with a 24'x20' attached garage for total Iot coverage of 1488 s.f Adding a 16x30' driveway (480 s. f ), 3'x32' sidewalk (96 s. f ), l Ux 18' deck (180 s. f. ), and 10'x 10' shed (100 s.f.) would result in 2344 s.f of total hardcover or 34.90/a. A garage as noted would be an endload facing Livingston Avenue at the front setback line. Gaffron reported that no adjacent land is available to increase the lot size. The homes in the area are on mainly single lots. The example residence would be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Gaffron recommended approval subject to the structure meeting all zoning codes with approval of lot area and lot width variances only. Gaffron said the existing shed would be removed with the house and recommended removal within 90 days of variance approval. Karen Cuff, 3572 Livingston Avenue, noted she has lived at that address for 17 years. She indicated the house in question is vacant and is concerned with the potential size of an new residence for the property. Cuff said she currently is unable to view the existing house with the tree coverage. Lindquist explained to her that the property would be allowed a 1500 s.f house but no other variances beyond that allowed. Hawn was informed the current house is 720 sT Gaffron noted this is one -half of the footprint allowed.