07-12-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 21, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. LA21-000041 THOMAS WILSON, 1955 HERITAGE DRIVE, VARIANCES Thomas Wilson, Applicant, was present. Staff presented a summary packet of information (Item 1 on the Agenda under Public Hearings). The Applicants are requesting a side yard setback variance in order to construct a one‐story, 218 square foot addition to the garage 20.4 feet from the side property line where a 30-foot setback is required and a 32.7- foot setback currently exists. The Applicant has identified the unique shape of the lot including the encroachment of a cul‐de‐sac, the location of the existing home in relation to lot lines and wetland areas on the property as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance. Additionally, they have provided supporting documentation regarding practical difficulties, and should be asked for additional testimony tonight. Staff finds that the lot characteristics create practical difficulties impacting expansion opportunities for the home and garage, in addition to the impact of a substandard size property within a 2 acre zoning district. Staff noted the impact from the encroaching informal roadway cul‐de‐sac, the wetland on the property likely resulting in the home location and orientation, the unique shape of the property, and topography. Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow the one-story expansion of the garage as shown. Thomas Wilson, 1955 Heritage Drive, added to the practical difficulties listed that because of the water table they also do not have a basement for the property. He has pictures available to show how the topography and how low-set the home is. He currently has 3 stalls for the garage. Gettman asked the reason for going from 3-4 stalls as many people only have 2. Mr. Wilson replied it is not meant for a car. He clarified they are on a well that has some of the highest counts of sediment and minerals in it which he submitted, and they are looking to add a water system that will take some square footage that they do not have a spot for as they do not have a basement. He also has some recreational equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards which would be stored. Ressler asked about removal of a storage shed on the property. Mr. Wilson would love to remove that shed and the items in the shed would go into this addition. Libby noted it is a very unusual lot and was originally suitable for a slab-on-grade small rambler which was close to the marsh. With no basement, they do need some storage and he agrees with the non- conformity of the lot. Vice Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:08 p.m. Greg Coward, 1950 Heritage Drive, lives across the street and clarified he has no problem whatsoever with this project. Vice Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:08 p.m. Gettman initially struggled with the reasonableness which is why he was asking about the 3-4 stalls but after hearing the water equipment storage needed, he is over that.