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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday, September 16,2019 <br /> 6:30 p.m. <br /> Swan noted they are improving the rear,the front, and the side yard setbacks and that the issue seems to <br /> be the structural coverage. <br /> Ressler stated it is 100 percent. <br /> Swan stated they will need some variances for this lot no matter what and asked what would be <br /> reasonably agreeable. <br /> Ressler stated the road to some degree will likely be considered a practical difficulty,which addresses <br /> hardcover,but the structural coverage should be reduced. While he appreciates the improvements they <br /> have made,the City does not like an application exceeding the 20 percent. <br /> Thiesse noted just a year ago the City raised it to 20 percent, and for the Planning Commission to <br /> consider 31.1 percent would be a huge departure from that. <br /> Swan asked if that isn't what variances are for. <br /> Thiesse stated it has to do with massing and staying within the character of the neighborhood. <br /> Swan asked why they have to comply with the 20 percent if the lot is nonconforming. <br /> Curtis indicated it is based on a percentage of the lot to keep the percentages equal on different sized lots, <br /> which is why Staff encouraged them to meet 20 percent since that is a hard stop. <br /> Quinlivan stated if the road is a practical difficulty,they are asking if they can be at 20 percent coverage <br /> on their lot. <br /> Gettman stated 20 percent would be the 2,900 square feet. <br /> Thiesse stated he believes that still comes out over the 20 percent but that the Planning Commission is a <br /> recommending body to the City Council and that they make the final decision. <br /> Ressler stated that is quite a difference in footprint and he would love to see something that is better than <br /> what is currently being proposed. <br /> Erickson stated if they build a new house that is way bigger than anything else on that street,the question <br /> is whether that alters the nature of the neighborhood. <br /> Ressler noted there are a couple of big houses on that street but they are not as close to the street. <br /> Ressler asked whether they would like the application tabled. <br /> Quinlivan indicated he would prefer they vote on the application. <br /> Erickson moved,Thiesse seconded,to recommend denial of Application No.LA19-000069, Gordon <br /> James Construction,3315 Crystal Bay Road,variances. <br /> Page 17 of 24 <br />