02-17-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 17, 1998 (#11 - #2335 Lawrence Molsather and Linda Sallee - Continued) Mr. Molsather said the recommendation is unreasonable. He noted the home to the east extends closer to the lake. His property is on a gradual point of land along the lakeshore and the average lakeshore setback is deceiving. He feels the main issues for the proposed deck are safety, practicality, and enjoyment. He noted the current difficulty in moving past an open window or doorway. In order to clean his gutters, it requires using the deck or climbing on the roof, which is no longer feasible for he and his wife. Molsather said due to trees on the wooded property, it necessitates cleaning the gutters every other week during the summer months. He feels having enough room to have chairs on the deck is a reasonable request. Molsather, who is an engineer and hydrologist, says the deck will have openings through which water would run. The drainage patterns would not change. He indicated rock over plastic is placed 7-8' out from the house. Molsather said he and his neighbors currently maintain the nearby City cul-de-sac. He also changed a hard surface area used for parking into green space on his front yard. There is plastic underneath the rock on his property, and he would be willing to change it to sod. The amount of rock with plastic is about 382 s.f. The deck would be 316 s.f. Molsather said he would make changes to the flagstone walkway if necessary as well. • Bressler indicated that Staff was not aware of the plastic under the rock, and the plastic was not included in the hardcover calculations. Lindquist said the plastic would have to be removed. Berg inquired about the average lakeshore setback. Molsather presented letters from his neighbors supporting his request. Lindquist noted that the current code would not allow this house to be built today. McMillan suggested reconfiguring the deck to allow the deck to extend further out in one area by eliminating a portion of its length elsewhere. Molsather questioned how he would then maintain cleaning of the gutters. Stoddard felt the request for variances was similar to other approvals made, and with the neighbors support of the proposal, Stoddard said he would support the applicant's request. He asked if there was other hardcover that could be removed besides the plastic. Sallee said she would be willing to remove the gravel over plastic under the deck. She was informed that it was a moot point as the gravel should not be there now. 21