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 2 of 3 Gettman noted the feedback received has been on size and the applicant would be increasing the size of the deck itself. He asked if there is any ability to make it narrower and not the full length or width of the house to accommodate the extending out and squaring off. Ms. Goodwald clarified if she were to do the 8 foot and not the clear end of the house, there is a set of windows there and it might cut into that section but she would be happy to look at that. Gettman noted they had just redone the sidewalk area with a covering or awning. Ms. Goodwald noted the wood arbor was falling apart as the previous owners used interior wood on the outside and the glue was coming apart, so they had it replaced. Chair Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. Chair Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. Kirchner said there are applications for 4 variances on this application. McCutcheon understands the applicant’s concern as they have a lake view as the front of the house is all windows and Ms. Goodwald does not want to put a deck railing in front of a window. He imagines it will be difficult to make the deck return into the middle of the house but if there is an opportunity to reduce the footprint of the deck but still have the depth needed to access it, that is a good solution or compromise. Gettman asked to look at Exhibit H and said by narrowing it, it will actually free up more window but then the issue is they are making a really small deck. There is no easy solution as they are trying to protect the lakeside view. Ms. Goodwald asked to show a picture from the opposite side of the deck and said from the furthest point she wanted to have a rectangle. She asked if she removes the hardcover underneath the deck, could that be a solution? Kirchner stated they have to base it on the application in front of the Commissioners. He said the concern is with the hardcover and whether the Commission approves or denies, it still goes to the Council for their review. His understanding is that Ms. Goodwald can change the application, as far as the layout, between this meeting and the Council meeting; she could make changes to the hardcover in the plan and bring it to the Council. McCutcheon knows the driveway is narrow but there have been applicants that narrow their driveways to accomplish things and meet the hardcover. It is an option although the applicant probably does not want to do it. He reiterated it is the hardcover so perhaps a compromise on the deck design, as they must win Council over. He thinks showing that she is improving the situation from the original ask says a lot. Libby thinks the Commission’s stance on hardcover has been very consistent and a redesign and re- concept coming closer to the standards would be advisable.