06-14-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, May 17, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. LA21-000030 TOM BERGSTROM, 1509 LONG LAKE BLVD, VARIANCES Tom Bergstrom, Applicant, was present. Staff presented a summary packet of information (Item 1 on the Agenda under Public Hearings). Curtis noted the owner received variances to redevelop the property with a new home and deck; at this time the applicant is requesting rear street setback and 75 foot setback variances in order to expand the existing deck by 227 square feet including a spiral staircase. The property owner has indicated a willingness to remove an 80 square foot patio within the 75‐foot setback to facilitate approval of the requested variances. Staff finds the variances are not supported by practical difficulty and recommends denial of requested variances to enlarge the deck as the property has reasonable use with the existing improvements. Bollis asked regarding the 80 square foot patio: was that part of the 2018 redevelopment or was it existing prior? Curtis replied it was preexisting. Tom Bergstrom, 1509 Long Lake Blvd, did not know he did not want a diamond-shaped lot until he moved into the lot as one cannot do much with it as shown regarding the lake setback and road setback. He is requesting to have a deck that would be approximately a smaller size than all of the existing lake owners on the lake. His nearby neighbors to the west have large decks; the average deck in the U.S. is approximately 300-400 square feet and Mr. Bergstrom is requesting 395 square feet. He thinks it is reasonable to have an average-sized deck in the U.S. given that he is on the lake. He showed his property on screen and noted he would like to ideally remove a patio and combine it together, taking hardcover out of the 75 foot lake setback and moving it or attaching it to the house so it is not separated. He showed the survey and noted that his property only has a sliver in which one can technically or legally build anything; he thinks on some level that is a practical hardship considering if it was a rectangle-shaped lot they do not have the same practical difficulties. There has also been some severe erosion over the past several decades, they did some shoreline stabilization and noted years and years of erosion has impacted the size of the lot. He noted there is not a good work around for the proposal, he has come to the City and worked with Ms. Oakden trying to figure out the best ways to expand this. Because of bugs, being higher off the ground is preferred and unfortunately there would still be a section in the 75 foot setback but it would be less than 15 feet so there would be a reduction in hardcover in that precious area. He showed overhead photos of his house and 9 adjacent houses and said every one of them have decks, pools, outdoor spaces, hardcover spaces substantially larger than his. He would think it reasonable to still have the smallest imprint in front of his house considering he is well below the hardcover requirement and making concessions. Kirchner said Deck B on screen is currently existing and asked how many square feet it is. Mr. Bergstrom replied 179 square feet. It is enough to put six chairs and a table. He would ideally like to pull the couch off the other area and have a place to sit and eat to enjoy the lake views. Chair Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:12 p.m. Chair Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:12 p.m.