01-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1998 r - Continued) - #2319 Ron Lauer ) The house is about 3500 s.f. Schroeder felt the home could be made smaller. In that case, Schmidt said they would prefer to move the driveway back into the hill, which to him would not make sense. Lindquist informed Schmidt that the intent is to build new construction without requiring any variances, which sometimes requires tree removal. There were no public comments. Hawn reported that while visiting the property there did not appear to be major trees within 5-6' of any building area. She did not believe moving the house back would interfere greatly. Lauer presented another proposal for location of the house. Hawn inquired about the hardcover amounts. Lauer said the 75-250' hardcover would be about 30% with parking area being located behind the 250' setback line. Schmidt said the size of the patio and sidewalk would be reduced. It would require cutting of 6-8 trees. Schroeder reiterated that other homes in the area have been built without variances and lots are not substantially different. • Gaffron inquired about the relationship this proposal would have to the hill and house location. Lauer said a smaller home is located 56' from the lake to the south and the point recedes back affecting the average lakeshore setback. McMillan asked if 30% hardcover was possible in the 75-250' setback. Lauer said it was possible. Schroeder asked about meeting the 25% requirement. Lauer said it would require pushing the home into the hill. Schroeder presented the possibility of decreasing the size of the home noting he would like the hardcover to be at a maximum of 25%. A member of the audience, who is a Realtor, felt the 30% hardcover requirement was consistent with the neighborhood, felt the reduction from 40%to 30% shows an improvement, and requiring less would be irresponsible of the Commission. Schroeder objected to that comment. The Realtor said a 10% reduction would be enviable and did not mean to criticize the Commissioners themselves. Mr. Buxton said the 25% hardcover requirement could be met by pushing the home back into the hillside. He reported that the hill is not large but has a woodland abutting it. Buxton said the change would make the driveway entry awkward and remove some of the value of the woodlands. He feels there needs to be enough room for parking during the winter months. He felt there would be substantial changes to the proposal if the variance was not allowed. 22