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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 28, 2006 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ (#06-3220 Jule and Elizabeth Hannaford, Continued) Staff recommends approval of lake setback and hardcover variances for the new lakeside deck and rear stoop. Staff further recommends that the applicants revise their proposed deck so that it does not encroach closer to the lake than the existing deck. Murphy inquired whether Staff agrees with the Planning Commission recommendation. Curtis stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of the square footage of the existing deck with the hardcover removals, which would allow the applicants to design a new deck. The applicant requested a landing in addition to the size of the deck recommended by the Planning Commission. Planning Staff is recommending no further encroachment towards the lake and that the applicants be required to do the proposed hardcover reductions. Curtis stated the applicants are able to reconstruct the existing deck and not remove any of the existing hardcover. The applicants do not feel they would benefit by removing the hardcover but would be agreeable to the removal if they were allowed to retain the size of the existing deck. Jule Hannaford stated he is in agreement with Staff that they can rebuild the deck with a permit and that he is unclear how this whole process has evolved to this point. Hannaford indicated their proposal includes reductions in the hardcover on the lot and would improve the appearance of the deck, which in their view is a win/win proposal. The deck has deteriorated to the point where it requires replacement. The structural coverage on the lot is considerably below what they are allowed. Hannaford requested the Council consider their proposal. McMillan inquired whether the basic deck would remain the same but just with the addition of the steps. Mrs. Hannaford indicated it would remain basically the same and that they are proposing a net reduction in the hardcover. Murphy inquired whether there is a requirement for steps to be included on decks. Curtis stated that is covered under the Building Code. Gaffron indicated a smaller set of steps would suffice under the Building Code. Murphy noted this is an older house. Jule Hannaford stated the foundation is approximately 70 years old. Murphy stated he would prefer to improve the aesthetic nature of the neighborhood and that there would be a reduction in the hardcover on the lot. White pointed out the Planning Commission could not find a hardship for the further encroachment into the 0-75 foot zone. ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 14 Item #02 - CC Agenda 09/11/06 Approval Of Minutes 08/28/06[Page 14 of 19]