03-08-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 20,2004 6:00 o’clock p.m. requested driveway and creek crossing plans. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. (#12) #04-2972 ROBERT KNUTH AND MARY THOMPSON, 2700 WHITE OAK CIRCLE. VARIANCE (8:43-8:33 P.M.) Robert Knuth, the Appiicant, was present Curtis exp'ained that the applicants are requesting a front yard setback variance and a side street (right-of-way) variance to aliow a porch with pergola 4S.1’ from the front lot line where a 50 ’ setback is required and 35* from the street right-of-way where SO* is required and a 40 ’ setback exists currently. Curtis pointed out that the applicants home is situated nearly at the front yard setback line of this expansive 2.1 acre property. In order to avoid encroaching the approved alternate septic system soil treatment site when the home was first built in 1978, the home was constructed 56.1’ from the front property line, S’ from the required 50* setback. Along the western property boundary between 2700 and 2715 White Oak Circle a continuation of the road right-of- way exists. This right-of-way is currently and indefinitely not rued as a traveled road, and is open space. The home is currently located 40* from this street side yard where a SO’ setback is required. Due to the angle of the home on die lot, the proposed porch addition would extend 5 additional feet into the required side street yard. Curtis pointed out that the property is located on a cul-de-sac and die property owners wish to create a "neighborly feel” to their home with the addition of the covered front porch. Due to the close proximity to the front yard setback, any modification greater than S’ off the ^nt of the home requires a variance to front yard setback requirement. Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the 5* front yard setback variance and the IS’ street side setback variaiKe due to the location of the existing house with relation to die front lot line with the stipulation that die covered porch shall not be enclosed. Knuth stated that they wished to open up the house to the neighborhood and add a front entry feel to the cunendy blank wall. He pointed out that they began speaking to neighbors about their intent a year ago and gained much support for the acdoit PAGE 31 of 64