Laserfiche WebLink
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9,2004 <br />ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT—CONTINUED <br />5. #03*2962 Robert & Joanne Switz, 1740 Shady wood Road—Variances— <br />Gundinch stated that the applicant redesigned the home in an effort to meet zoning <br />ordinance requirements. The new plans met the 15% footprint requirement, and are at the <br />maximum of 15%. The applicant requested a variance for lot area to rebuild on a lot of <br />0.47 acres in a 0.50 acre zone, and a variance for hardcover to allow 38.6% in the 75*250 ’ <br />zone when 38.8% currently exists and 25% is normally allowed. The applicants would be <br />removing 2,050 s.f. hardcover from the 0-75’ zone. <br />Hardships regarding the hardcover variance consist of the shallowness of the lot and the <br />need for a backup apron. Gundlach stated that the hardships are legitimate, but the 38.6% <br />hardcover was an inflated number because the applicant maxed out their structural <br />coverage at 15%. <br />Staff recommended approval of the lot size variance and a hardcover variance, but <br />encouraged Council to consider if hardcover of 38.6% was extreme. <br />Mr. Switz stated that they aggressively worked on the plans for their house to bring them <br />into conformance. He felt everyone’s best interest would be served by approving the <br />application. <br />Sansevere stated that in his memo, Gaffron recommended not allowing over 33.6% <br />hardcover in the 75-250’ zone. <br />Gundlach stated that the real issue was if the applicant should be allowed to max out <br />structural coverage at 15% thus creating the need for a greater hardcover variance. <br />Mabusth stated that this is the hardest type of application you get because the lot is <br />currently completely covered in structure. They’re at 22% in the 0-75’ zone, and the <br />applicant would get rid of all that. Because of the lot shape, the applicant doesn ’t get the <br />full benefit they might on a normal lot—the hardships should bring them to about 33-34% <br />hardcover. <br />Mr. Switz stated the lot is over 60% hardcover now, and they’d make significant <br />improvements. <br />McMillan stated she was tom because the existing house covers the entire lot and is so far <br />out of conformity.