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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,March 16,2020 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Mr. Vogstrom stated that would not be a large enough area. In addition,there are support beams in the <br /> area which makes it not feasible,because that area would be torn apart. He noted there are many things <br /> that could be done,but the fire created the hardship. <br /> Ressler said a fire is a reason for a hardship to replace like-kind. Adding structure is the deliberation of <br /> whether that fire is feasible for like-kind replacement. In his opinion,a fire is not necessarily grounds for <br /> a hardship. It sounds like the applicant is not able to replace like-kind with the equipment that is currently <br /> in the building. <br /> Mr.Vogstrom said he understands it is a complicated situation but the hardship is as a result of the fire. <br /> He understands they are adding a setback,but it is an unusual lot and it is 3 square feet. He noted they are <br /> also completely redoing the grade and fixing a major problem in the neighborhood.He thinks that should <br /> be taken into consideration when talking about 3 square feet and putting in a new furnace system to <br /> accommodate their hardship. <br /> Libby noted that this is a unique and unusual home. In the past he has seen people avoid expansion of the <br /> footprint by using a portion of the basement footprint and install equipment subterranean to whatever the <br /> base floor is of the basement. He suggested the possibility of having mechanical and electrical rooms that <br /> are below the level and below the basement grade which may avert the variance process. <br /> Ressler asked Libby whether, since it is a small amount being talked about,he is saying that hopefully the <br /> applicant can do the project within the dimensions that are available. <br /> Libby said he cannot give a plan or engineering design but suggested the designers take a look at it.From <br /> past experience,he knows it is doable and feasible architecturally and mechanically. He noted that if the <br /> water table was high,there would need to be some abatement of water flow with neighbors. <br /> Mr. Vogstrom said they could do anything but felt this design was the least impactful. It would be costly <br /> to do an underground heating system within the existing footprint and it would have more of an impact on <br /> the look, shoreline, etc. He has suggested what makes the most sense and the least impact. <br /> Libby asked how many square feet is below grade. <br /> Curtis said the footprint of the entire house is 10,700 square feet. <br /> Mr. Vogstrom said it was a couple thousand. <br /> Curtis asked the applicant if the accommodation for the utility room could be done in the basement and <br /> without the first-floor addition. <br /> Mr. Vogstrom stated it could potentially be done,but the impact is already there and they would still need <br /> to put a roof on it. <br /> Curtis asked if the square footage would be below grade and then a main floor room addition. <br /> Mr. Vogstrom stated she was correct and that there would be hardcover. They could put a flat roof so it <br /> would not block the windows in the front,but he is not excited about that as far as long-term warranties. <br /> Curtis asked how far out of the ground the basement addition would have to be. <br /> Page 7 of 16 <br />