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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Mondty, January 20.2004 <br />6:00 o'clock p.m. <br />rcqnestcd driveway aid creek crossing plans. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. <br />(#12) #04-2972 ROBERT KNUTH AND MARY THOMPSON, 2700 WHITE OAK CIRCLE, <br />VARIANCE (8:43-8:53 P.M.) <br />Robert Knuth, the Applicant, was present <br />Curtis explained that the applicants are requesting a firont yard setback variance and a side street <br />(right-of-way) variance to allow a porch with pergola 45.1' from the front lot line where a 50' <br />setback is required and 35* from the street right-of-way where 50' is required and a 40' setback <br />exists currently. Curtis pointed out that the applicants home is situated nearly at the front yard <br />setback line of this expansive 2.1 acre property. In order to avoid encroaching the approved <br />alternate septic system soil treatment site when the home was Tint built in 1978, the home was <br />constructed 56.1’ from the front property line, 5' from the required 50' setback. Along the western <br />property boundary between 2700 and 2715 White Oak Circle a continuation of the road right-of- <br />way exists. This right-of-way is currently and indeAmtely not used as a traveled road, and is open <br />space. The home is currently located 40' from this street side yard where a 50' setback is required. <br />Due to the angle of the home on the lot, the proposed porch addiUon would extend 5 additional feet <br />into the required side street yard. <br />Curtis pointed out that the property is located on a cul-de-uc and the property owners wish to <br />create a "neighborly feel" to their home with the addition of the covered front porch. Due to the <br />close proxinuQr to the front yard setback, any modification greater than 5* off the front of the home <br />requires a variance to front yard setback requirement. <br />Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the 5 ’ front yard setback variance and the 15 ’ <br />street side setback variance due to the location of the existing house with relation to the front lot <br />line with the stipulation diat the covered porch shall not be enclosed. <br />Knuth sttted that they wished to open up the house to the neighborhood and add a front entry feel <br />to the cunendy blank wall. He pointed out that they began speaking to neighbors about their <br />a year ago and gained much siqipoit for the action. <br />PAGE 31 of 64