Laserfiche WebLink
Metadata
Document management portal powered by Laserfiche WebLink 9 © 1998-2015 Laserfiche. All rights reserved.
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,September 19,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis stated the Applicant has the option of reducing the hardcover and installing a grade level patio <br /> without variances. The side yard setback variance involving the roof expansion may be reasonable if the <br /> encroachments do not further limit the light,air,and open space of the neighbors to the west.If the <br /> Commission identifies practical difficulties which support the roof changes in the side yard area,the new <br /> encroachments should be limited to the roof and any additional new impacts,such as roof overhangs and <br /> the possible new shed roof over kitchen window, should be denied. The average lakeshore setback <br /> variance to change the hip configuration to a gable thereby increasing the mass of the roof within the <br /> setback significantly is not supported by practical difficulty. Staff recommends denial. <br /> Scott Gates, 545 Second St.#295,Excelsior,noted it is not terribly complicated and the owners wanted to <br /> get the remodel underway prior to the variance being heard.He noted they scaled down the hardcover <br /> significantly and if these changes are not acceptable,they will go ahead and build what has been <br /> submitted for the building permit. He walked the Commissioners through the project and spoke about the <br /> overhang,encroachments,setbacks,a bay window,and neighbor comments.Mr. Gates showed proposed <br /> plans on screen and shared about the various views,roof pitch,and massing. <br /> Ressler asked about practical difficulty on the project. <br /> Mr. Gates replied the practical difficulty is the location of the home. The setback is similar to the <br /> neighboring house,with 2813 set back considerably more,with 2821,2825,and 2827 at about 79-80 feet <br /> and this property is at around 120 feet.The house next door is what creates the issues regarding average <br /> lakeshore setback(ALS).The practical difficulty of the deck is that there is nowhere else to put it. <br /> Ressler clarified they could put in a patio. <br /> Curtis noted they could do it on grade or a patio. <br /> Mr.Gates spoke about what is intended to be an at-grade deck, and they could do the 10x16 provided <br /> they meet hardcover or get a variance and the other is to have a lakeside deck with access to the family <br /> living space. <br /> Kirchner clarified Mr.Gates is saying the practical difficulty is that it is a convenience to have a deck or <br /> the desire for the owners to have a deck. <br /> Mr. Gates replied in the negative noting he is saying there is not another place to put it that has access to <br /> the lake view. Because this is considerably farther back than the 75 foot minimum lakeshore setback that, <br /> coupled with the ALS being further back due to the offset of the house next door are both practical <br /> difficulties that make this the only choice. <br /> Kirchner asked what structural purpose the new roof serves that then provides additional massing. <br /> Mr.Gates replied the existing roof needs replacement and once they start replacing it makes sense to go <br /> to something cleaner and simpler without all the angles to the roof He thinks it is also a design <br /> consideration in trying to fit into the neighborhood,make something that looks good by mixing the gable <br /> with the hip. <br /> Ressler spoke about practical difficulty.He stated the location of the house is something the owner knew <br /> when they purchased it and every zone has different requirements and guidelines.The existing house is <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />