07-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 20, 1998 • (#14) #2395 BRENT BENTROTT, 1453 PARK DRIVE -VARIANCES AND VACATION, 9:24 p.m. -9:47 p.m. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. Mr. and Mrs. Brent Bentrott were present. Van Zomeren stated this lot is located in the LR-1 B zoning district, which has a minimum of one acre. Van Zomeren stated the applicants are requesting that a 10 foot portion of platted, but unopened, Bluff Street be vacated to allow an existing deck that is along the west property line to be remodeled into a three-season porch. The vacation is also requested in order to build a new garage that would be accessed from Bluff Street. Variances are needed for hardcover in the 0'-500' setbacks. Variances are also required for the side yard adjacent to street setback from Bluff Street to add the three-season porch, and a variance to the side yard setback for the proposed garage because it is considered an oversized accessory structure. Van Zomeren stated this application is dependent on the vacation, which traditionally have not been granted, and recommended the Planning Commission consider that portion of the application first. Bentrott stated they are proposing to build a new garage which would be located closer to the residence which should help reduce hardcover. Bentrott stated he didn't know a fire lane was considered a road. Mrs. Bentrott stated they would like a portion of the existing deck turned into a three-season porch. • Chair Smith inquired what the practical use of the fire lane was. Van Zomeren stated any access off of the lake would need to also be reviewed by the utility companies and the DNR, who would probably deny the request. McMillan stated the Planning Commission might be setting a precedent if the variance is granted, noting she was not in favor of the vacation. Lindquist remarked he does not think realistically this application would be approved as proposed. Bentrott stated they suggested using the fire lane as one option. There were no public comments. Chair Smith inquired what would happen if the vacation is denied. Van Zomeren stated if the vacation were not granted, the Planning Commission would be looking at a side yard adjacent to street setback to build right on the property line, no additional hardcover, and the conversion of the deck into a three season porch would be considered a structural change, and at least ten feet would be required between the accessory buildings. Bentrott stated he would be in favor of constructing the garage under 750 square feet and ten feet from the neighbor's building. McMillan stated she would be in favor of the three season porch and a redesigned garage with proper setbacks from side yard with no additional hardcover in the 75'-250' and 250'-500' zones. • Lindquist stated the garage cannot be constructed right on the property line. Page 13