01-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1998 (#13 - #2319 Ron Lauer- Continued) Gaffron reported that the proposal is a request for hardcover variance in the 75-250' setback to remove the existing house, swimming pool and garages, and construct a new home on this 1.85 acre lot. The property is in the 1 acre zoning requiring a 140' minimum width. The property meets 80% of that requirement at 127'width at the lakeshore and 75' setback with a functional width of 112'. Additions were made to the residence in 1985 and 1986 for a pool and garage. Once plastic under landscaping was removed, these additions resulted in a total of 39.4% hardcover in the 75-250' setback. A certificate has been issued for removal of the pool. The proposed new residence will be 199' from the lake meeting the average lakeshore setback. Gaffron reported that 28% of the 34.5% is structural coverage; the remaining being sidewalk, patio, and driveway. The proposal should improve the grade for drainage. Gaffron reviewed the hardship statement criteria. He noted that the residence could be built without requiring a variance. He feels the resale is always an issue for the applicants and is not unique to this property. Gaffron said economics is the primary factor noted by the applicant. Topography to the rear is a factor. The property is wider than other neighboring lots. Gaffron said the only difference found for hardship is the topography issue. • While the Casco Point and Rest Point areas have been granted variances, Gaffron said this has not occurred in other areas and not for properties of 2 acres and 112'widths. Gaffron noted areas to the north where efforts were made to meet the hardcover requirements. There are smaller lots to the south where the shoreline juts out, many of which have not yet been remodeled. Gaffron indicated that the proposed house would be in line with other homes. If the house was pushed back on the lot, the property would come closer to meeting the hardcover requirement. Gaffron reviewed the issues for discussion, #1 and#2, as noted in the packet. Lauer introduced Mr. &Mrs. Buxton, who propose to build the residence. Lauer indicated the problem with pushing the house back on the lot would bring it into a big hill with trees and would require tall retaining walls and removal of trees. Schmidt noted that the average lakeshore setback would also be affected. Lindquist asked how far back the home would have to be placed. Schmidt said the placement would be past the point of maintaining any views of the lake. Gaffron said the majority of the driveway would be into the 250-500' zone. Lindquist asked if the large turnaround was necessary. Lauer said he believed so. Hawn asked if a circle could be used. Schmidt felt it would require as much area and would affect the hill. Schmidt informed Gaffron that the driveway is proposed at about 12'wide. 21