08-08-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, July 18, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Kirchner’s first thought is that it is an improvement, however this is a completely new structure and these moments offer the opportunity to make it right and make it conforming to the hardcover. That is his struggle and he is hung up on the hardcover variance, noting one can still build there it is just a matter of size and hardcover. Ressler is in support of this because 60 foot wide lots do not allow accommodation for structure in general, although this is a deeper lot which gives some relief in the calculations. He noted they are meeting lakeshore and north/south setbacks. In looking at the design as proposed he does not know if there is a way to redesign without making more of a nuisance for the neighbors with parking spilling out onto the street. He is in support of the application and feels practical difficulty is met because of the lot width and mitigating circumstances, improvement to existing hardcover, and meeting the setbacks of basically everything else. Chair McCutcheon agrees. If it was a lot of massing it would be different but it is subtle, the garage is basically attached to the house. He thinks it is a better layout, they are reducing hardcover, and it is safer for the community and Applicant. He noted on that small of a lot, the Applicant does not have a lot of options. Having the support of the neighbors also helps him with this application. Erickson appreciates the effort they are making and that it is a narrow lot. However hardcover is still an issue. In the past the Planning Commission was always quite strict if one has a small lot, then they build a small house. Since that time they have seen people wanting a larger house on a small lot and then they see variances with a number of variances already being approved. Peterson was opposed to the application until the latest publication. He thinks this is good faith of the builder and homeowner and would be in favor. Ressler moved, Libby seconded, to approve LA22-000035, 2659 Casco Point Road, as amended per the application received today, July 18, 2022. VOTE: Ayes: 4, Nays 2 (Kirchner, Erickson).