10-11-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 20, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. LA21-000059 ALLISON CELMS AND OLIVER WHITE, 1040 LOMA LINDA AVENUE, VARIANCE (STAFF: LAURA OAKDEN) Allison and Oliver White, Applicants, were present. Staff presented a summary packet of information. Oakden stated the Applicants are requesting lot area, lot width, and average lakeshore setback variances in order to redevelop the property. A home on the property was recently demolished, and was situated lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line (ALS, shown in red on screen) which, based on the location of the two adjacent neighbors, cuts through the subject lot at an angle, establishing a setback between 116 feet and 155 feet from the lake. The home was located 68’ from the ALS and the neighbor to the north is significantly further from the lake due to the flag-shaped lot and the proposed home will be in conformance with the 75 foot lake yard setback. Staff finds the orientation of the setback line resulting from the extreme setback of the northern neighboring home, the unique configuration of the northern neighboring lot, and the existing lot’s substandard size there are practical difficulties supporting granting the requested variances for the new home. The Applicant provided a letter of support from the northerly neighbor. Staff recommends approval of the variances as requested. Ressler clarified they are improving the ALS from 68 feet to 71 feet? Oakden replied the proposed house will meet the 75 foot setback. Allison and Oliver White, 1040 Loma Linda Avenue, noted they had a lot of discussion with the neighbor to the northwest, and the neighbor expressed their support. In pulling the house back the neighbor to the south was also happy with the plan because it gives privacy to both neighbors. Kirchner opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Kirchner closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Kirchner appreciates that they are behind the 75 foot setback; the lot is non-conforming as is so he is not too concerned with the variances. He believes the practical difficulty has been expressed regarding the ALS. He is fully supportive of the application. Ressler echoed exactly what Kirchner said. Libby noted the previous nonconforming house has already been demolished. He commented that the in- kind building envelope has passed and we need to always protect the average lakeshore setback. Erickson also appreciates the 75 foot setback being respected. Gettman moved, Bollis seconded, to approve LA21-000059, 1040 Loma Linda Avenue, Variance as Applied. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Abstain 1. Commissioner Libby abstained.