04-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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• ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 20, 1998 (#5) #2353 LEN BUSCH, 1265 SHORELINE DRIVE -VARIANCE - 6:52-7:05 P. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. The applicant was present. Van Zomeren said the property contains 1.22 acres and is located in the LR-1 A 2 acre minimum zoning district. The applicant is requesting a hardcover variance in the 75-250' setback area to build a 750 s.f. hobby room. There is a large wetland area in the northeast section of the property. Hardcover numbers are high because of the driveway design, and construction of the pool and patio took place prior to the Shoreland Regulations being in effect. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission discuss the application with the intent of reducing hardcover. The structure is proposed to be located 10' off the property line which meets the setback requirements making use of the existing driveway and a corner of the existing hardcover. Busch explained the driveway is odd and difficult to turn around in. It is too dangerous for cars to back out onto County Road 15. One car in the driveway can block all cars. Although he does not like the driveway and would like to get rid of some of it on the side, he needs the space for parking • as several family members visit often. The proposed free standing building needs no driveway. The installation of a garage door would allow access of storage items and would result in a 5-6' pad in front of the door. He suggests cutting off about 350 s.f. of driveway with a lawn area in front of it. The building is 725 s.f. which would only add 395 s.f. to the total square footage. Staffs alternate proposal is not an option because it is located over the well on his property. Van Zomeren apologized for the misrepresentation but the surveyor did not indicate placement of the well on the survey. Busch said his property is unique and secluded from neighbors. There would be no increase in water runoff to the lake because drainage flows to the wetland area on his property. He is looking forward to retirement and needs to find space for his hobbies. The proposed building would meet his woodworking needs. No sewer or water would be installed in the building. Smith asked if there would be adequate turnaround space. Busch felt it would. Lindquist indicated the building size was excessive. Busch said the 25'x30' size makes it symmetrical with the garage. Smith asked if he had existing living space to use as a hobby room and/or other area to give up. Busch said the house does not have a basement and lacks storage room. Van Zomeren said adding 300 s.f. of hardcover represents a 3.2%increase for that setback area. Hawn suggested reducing the driveway. Smith recommended reducing the building size to 25'x20'. She inquired how the building would be heated. Busch intends to install a gas furnace and wood stove in the proposed building. Hawn suggested approval be based on the condition that only a limited amount of hardcover be added. • 3