10-21-2019 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. 3. LA18-000081 DAVID AND STACEY ROYAL, 3135 JAMESTOWN ROAD, VARIANCE, 7:53 P.M. — 7:57 P.M. Stacey Royal, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting a lake setback variance to rebuild an existing 1,100 square foot barn on the property in a different footprint and orientation. The applicants are proposing to construct a new 1,400 square foot barn in generally the same location on the property but further from the lake. The proposed location is 124 feet from the ordinary high-water level but closer than the required 150 -foot setback from Lake Classen, which is classified as a natural environment lake. In light of the recent change to the City's accessory structure ordinance, the applicant is considering increasing the size of the barn within the range of what was approved by the City Council. Staff does not object to these changes as they do not impact the setbacks. The survey shows the topography of the area is much higher than the lake. Staff finds practical difficulty in the location of the existing barn to be replaced, the sloping topography, and lake setback from the natural environment lake. Planning Staff recommends approval. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Stacey Royal, Applicant, stated the main reason they require a variance is because of where the neighbor's house sits. A discussion was also had with the other neighbor that resides in the house directly to the west of them about the project and neither neighbor is opposed to the project. Curtin noted there is no lakeshore on the property to the east so it is just the setback from the lake that is impacted. Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. There were no public comments on this application. Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Bollis noted the application is pretty straight forward and the setback is improving. Gettman, Thiesse, Libby, and McCutcheon stated they are in agreement with Commissioner Bollis. Erickson noted the aerial makes it clear that there are no view issues for the neighbors and that he would be in favor of it. Ressler concurred that the application is pretty straight forward. McCutcheon moved, Thiesse seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA19-000081, David and Stacey Royal, 3135 Jamestown Road, variance. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. Page 10 of 20