Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> February 22,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> property to have an attached garage.He agrees with the Commissioners in observing that there are <br /> options which could fit within the setbacks. <br /> Libby agrees with Erickson, noting with 4 feet in the variance he thinks other options should be looked at. <br /> Erickson moved,Bollis seconded,to deny LA22-000005,2590 Watertown Road,Variance for a <br /> Home Addition.VOTE:Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> 4. LA22-000007 ALMA HOMES,LLC,65 STUBBS BAY ROAD NORTH,REQUESTS LOT <br /> AREA AND LOT WIDTH VARIANCES, SIDE YARD SETBACK AND FRONT YARD <br /> SETBACK VARIANCES IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A NEW HOME. <br /> Staff presented a summary packet of information. Ms. Curtis stated the Applicant is requesting approval <br /> of lot area, lot width,side yard setback,and front setback variances in order to build a new home on the <br /> property.The property is situated within the RR-1A zoning district where 5.0 acres in area is required. <br /> The property is substandard with respect to area and width.The Applicant is proposing to redevelop the <br /> property with a new home in a similar location as the existing home. They are requesting setback <br /> variances due to the site's topography,applied setbacks,and the existing shared driveway configuration. <br /> They are proposing a home with an attached garage and a rear deck within the front yard setback. The two <br /> accessory buildings behind the home are proposed to remain. Ms.Curtis stated the required front setback <br /> results in pushing the home further back into the sloped area of the property and closer to the wetland <br /> which is not conducive to the type of soils that will support the home,nor is it consistent with the <br /> neighborhood.The existing septic system is proposed to being reused.The Applicant is proposing to <br /> situate the home 51.7 feet from the front property line where a 100 foot setback is required and a 46 foot <br /> setback currently exists with existing buildings.The home will actually be about 70 feet from the <br /> roadway and will conform to the north side yard setback at 62 feet and the setback from the south lot line <br /> will be 48.8 feet where 50 is required.Both setbacks will improve the existing condition. Regarding <br /> practical difficulty, Staff finds there are practical difficulties in the size and width of the property,the <br /> sloping topography,and existing conditions supporting variances for a new home. Staff recommends <br /> approval. <br /> Eric Gronberg, 65 Stubbs Bay Road,has talked to neighbors on each side who have both said they were <br /> okay with the proposal.He noted they are trying to make it more conforming. <br /> Chair Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> Chair Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> Chair Kirchner generally agrees with Staff on this,noting the topography and sloping create some <br /> challenges.He can support the application. <br /> Bollis asked if this is consistent with 15 Stubbs Bay Road,which the Commission previously approved. <br /> Curtis replied it is very consistent,although she does not know if it is exactly the same setback as it was a <br /> smaller lot. <br /> Ressler is struggling with it,noting it is positioned better than the neighboring property but it seems that it <br /> could be more conforming than proposed. <br /> Page 6 of 9 <br />