03-29-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 8, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 23 current home being so far setback from the front lot line, a substandard lot size, and the topography of the lot there were practical difficulties to support the variance. The Commission voted 6 to 1 in favor of granting the variance. The neighborhood letters of support are included in the packet, as well as the minutes. The Council should review the application and determine if practical difficulties are met for a variance and should direct Staff on how to draft a resolution. The Applicant is present tonight if there are any questions. Oakden has additional pictures if needed. Crosby would like to see those pictures. Oakden pulled them up on screen. Johnson said this is about having a practical difficulty and being able to meet the standard, and that is what he is not sure about. Walsh said it is one of those deals where there is a house that someone bought and whoever built this house built a big circle driveway and decided to put the house on the back part. He is struggling with that as well. Seals said Staff put it out there that it can be built in another location and she understands perhaps that is not where the Applicant wants it but it can be built elsewhere. Crosby asked where the other spot it can be built is. Johnson stated on the east side. Walsh said either on the east side or right in the middle. Johnson said it gets in to the conversation that it is not their job to design. Other people have come with this and the Council has not allowed it because there was not a practical difficulty, although he can see why they would want it. Crosby noted if there are other options it reduces the argument for practical difficulty. Walsh asked if the Applicant would like to speak. Paul Cameron from Chamberlain Fine Custom Homes approached the podium and gave a technical perspective. He is developing Crystal Bay Estates; he has 2 acre lots and 30-foot setbacks in the backyard. This is a 1/2-acre lot, and has 30 feet setbacks. It is way over-allocated from a setback; that is the ordinance and he appreciates that, but when looking at the ordinance and intent for commonality or consistency, there are 12 neighbors that say this is fine. If the purpose of the ordinance and the statement of consistency in making a harmonious neighborhood, the Council has heard from the voters what that is. Walsh stated the voters and the neighbors don’t make variances or make the rules. Whether they like it or do not like it is not what comes in to play. It has to meet the standard. Mr. Cameron asked if this is considered a non-conforming lot. By the lots and measures it is, so the home owner is being “penalized” or adversely affected.