06-08-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 8, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. 8. #15-3738 KUHL DESIGN BUILD ON BEHALF OF JOHN AND CYNDY BOWLSBY, 1025 SPRING HILL ROAD — VARIANCES (continued) The granting of variances to permit a pool to be located 60 feet from the OHWL of Long Lake is not consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, nor would it be in keeping with the intent of the zoning code. Based on the information provided, it does not appear that the applicant has proven practical difficulties which support the granting of setback and hardcover variances to construct the pool as proposed. Planning Staff recommends approval of the variances to allow construction of the eastern addition and the proposed modifications to the portion of the home on the west. Staff recommends denial of setback and hardcover variances relating to the pool. John Bowlsby, Applicant, stated approximately three and a half years ago, he and his wife started to look at one -level homes with enough room to accommodate his children and grandchildren when they visit. Bowlsby stated after having a number of discussions with the Conley family, reading about the architecture of the home and all the planning that went into setting the house ecologically on the property, they fell in love with the property. Bowlsby stated in his view it is an incredibly unique property but that the 1977 structure requires some updates. Bowlsby indicated they would like to update the kitchen and master bedroom as well as construct a pool on the lakeside of the home. Bowlsby stated as it relates to the pool, he spoke with a gentleman from Ecology Specialists and a gentleman from Applied Ecology Services. Bowlsby indicated he had them out to walk the land and look at the topographical maps. The property is designed to drain away from the lake and back into the natural areas. Bowlsby stated the actual percolation distance of the water in that watershed is closer to a hundred and some feet. Bowlsby stated the one thing they wanted to do was make sure they maintain the way that the home fit into the area. Bowlsby stated he asked the two gentlemen where the best location of the pool would be and they indicated the proposed location is the ideal site. Bowlsby stated a pool in that area would not be seen from either adjoining property or from the lake and would also not impact the drainage. Bowlsby noted it would obstruct the natural drainage in the area if the pool were placed anywhere else as well as be very visible from the lake. Bowlsby noted they currently have 89.2 percent of the property in either wetlands, woods, or professionally restored natural prairie, and that if the Council approves both additions, it would be 88.7 percent. Curtis displayed a video from the lake of the property. Dan Murphy, Kuhl Design, stated he wanted the video to be shown so the Council can understand the visual impact. Murphy stated the main goal with the placement of the pool is to protect the uniqueness of the property. Murphy stated the lake in this area is very clear due to the wonderful job they did with the drainage. Page 10 of 19