01-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1998 (#6 - #2328 Freshwater Foundation - Continued) Van Zomeren read portions of the resolution, page 2, 3E, referencing the use of the building. She said there was the possibility to add to the statement that the lower level was being rented by a corporate tenant for research facility. Schroeder noted that no tenants were named in the resolution. Lindquist agreed that no action should be taken. Conditional Use Permit (#7) #2318 C.N. OSTROM & SONS FOR JEANNE MITHUN, 755 FERNDALE ROAD NORTH - Conditional use permit for a guest apartment in basement- 8:16- 8:28 p.m. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. The Applicant was present. Bressler reported that the application is a proposal to convert basement space into a guest apartment for use by relatives with an exterior door added for emergency egress. A second kitchen and bathroom facilitated the need for the conditional use permit for a non- rental guest apartment. Bressler reviewed the findings as noted in the packet. An existing • staircase in the garage area leads to the lower level. The main access to the basement unit is not through the main living area, which does not meet the intent of the code. A construction driveway will be removed once construction is completed. Construction has begun on the basement remodeling. The location of the staircase also lends to a possibility of creating a separate unit if a barrier is constructed in the garage. He noted that the basement would likely continue to be used for storage. Bressler also noted that if the CUP was denied, state law allows for granting of a variance to allow temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. This provision has not been used in the City in the past. Ostrom had no additional comments. There were no public comments. Van Zomeren reported that she had visited the site stating the basement had been constructed with no door or window resulting in the inability to have a bedroom located in the basement. She felt it was unlikely that it would used as a separate dwelling with only the north side having two windows and a door. Without remodeling, the space could only be used for storage. Ostrom said the area of the basement where the new construction is located had been a crawl space. The owner has a large extended family and would like to have space for them to stay on another level. The only access would be through the garage. 12