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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,June 21,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br /> Vice Chair Jon Ressler, Commissioners Bob Erickson,Matt Gettman,Dennis Libby, and Alternate <br /> Commissioner Dave Peterson. Chair Scott Kirchner,Commissioners Chris Bollis,and Mark McCutcheon <br /> were absent. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart and City <br /> Planner Melanie Curtis. City Council representative Victoria Seals and Mayor Dennis Walsh were also <br /> present. <br /> Vice Chair Ressler called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> APPROVAL OF AGENDA <br /> Gettman moved,Libby seconded,to approve the Agenda.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 17,2021 <br /> Libby moved,Gettman seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission <br /> meeting of May 17,2021 as submitted.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> 1.LA21-000041 THOMAS WILSON, 1955 HERITAGE DRIVE,VARIANCES <br /> Thomas Wilson,Applicant,was present. <br /> Staff presented a summary packet of information(Item 1 on the Agenda under Public Hearings). The <br /> Applicants are requesting a side yard setback variance in order to construct a one-story, 218 square foot <br /> addition to the garage 20.4 feet from the side property line where a 30-foot setback is required and a 32.7- <br /> foot setback currently exists. The Applicant has identified the unique shape of the lot including the <br /> encroachment of a cul-de-sac,the location of the existing home in relation to lot lines and wetland areas <br /> on the property as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance.Additionally,they have <br /> provided supporting documentation regarding practical difficulties,and should be asked for additional <br /> testimony tonight. Staff finds that the lot characteristics create practical difficulties impacting expansion <br /> opportunities for the home and garage, in addition to the impact of a substandard size property within a 2 <br /> acre zoning district. Staff noted the impact from the encroaching informal roadway cul-de-sac,the <br /> wetland on the property likely resulting in the home location and orientation,the unique shape of the <br /> property, and topography. Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to <br /> allow the one-story expansion of the garage as shown. <br /> Thomas Wilson, 1955 Heritage Drive, added to the practical difficulties listed that because of the water <br /> table they also do not have a basement for the property. He has pictures available to show how the <br /> topography and how low-set the home is. He currently has 3 stalls for the garage. <br /> Gettman asked the reason for going from 3-4 stalls as many people only have 2. <br /> Mr. Wilson replied it is not meant for a car. He clarified they are on a well that has some of the highest <br /> counts of sediment and minerals in it which he submitted, and they are looking to add a water system that <br /> will take some square footage that they do not have a spot for as they do not have a basement. He also has <br /> some recreational equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards which would be stored. <br /> Page 1of13 <br />