05-10-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 19, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 3 2. LA21-000024 LORRAINE GOODWALD, 706 NORTH ARM DRIVE, VARIANCES Lorraine Goodwald, applicant, was present. Barnhart noted they are getting some audio feedback so the mics had to be turned down. He asked everyone to please speak into their microphones and speak up a bit. Staff presented a summary packet of information. The property owner is requesting side yard, lake yard, and average lakeshore (ASL) setback variances as well as a hardcover variance for the reconstruction and expansion of an existing irregularly shaped deck. The applicant proposes that the shape of the deck makes it a practical difficulty in using the deck for family and normal deck accoutrements (tables, grills, etcetera), and that the location of the house, proximity to the lake, and the substandard area of the lot all contribute to practical difficulties. Virtually half the house is lakeward of the lake and ASL lines; Staff understands these variances but are somewhat challenged by the hardcover variance. Staff can support the setback variances but cannot support the hardcover variance. Barnhart noted there is virtually no spot to put a deck on this property without a variance. The hardcover increases from 33% to a 34.2% which does not sound like a huge number, but they try to hold firm to the standard 25% in Orono. Staff recommends denial; however the concern is with the hardcover. Barnhart noted this is an older survey and they have removed quite a bit of improvements, some hardcover and a garage. Barnhart stated Staff’s recommendation is denial but really they are concerned with the hardcover which would likely require some modification to the deck. However, any deck, especially if it lines up with the side of the house, would likely require a side yard setback in addition to the lake and ALS. Lorraine Goodwald, 706 North Arm Drive, applicant, said the reasons she is asking for this variance is because when they open up the door the deck is only 3 feet wide.. Bollis asked on the drawings, what is there for hardcover. Ms. Goodwald said right now underneath the deck are some brick pavers, she noted they bought the home as a foreclosure in 2011, so everything that was there when they purchased it still exists. She said it is the original survey from 2003 when the house was built and there really has not been any change. The existing garage to be removed is gone. Gettman assumes the sidewalk is gone, also. Ms. Goodwald clarified the sidewalk is there from the driveway to the front door. There is another sidewalk that was removed. She would be flexible to do something different and just wants to have a safe space to be able to bring her family, friends, and her mother out on the deck. There is a grade from the outside so Ms. Goodwald cannot go out and pull her mother (in a wheelchair) levelly as they are on a hill. Libby asked where the entry is from the house. Ms. Goodwald said there is a door from her kitchen that opens up and it is a very narrow, perhaps 4 foot and then it narrows around. Council Exhibit D LA21-24