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4- <br />\ <br />MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, October 27,2003 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />10. ROBERT AND JANET LABALT, 3202 NORTH SHORE DRIVE - VARIANCE, <br />Continued <br />Conunission and staffhad recommended for denial since the increases in structural <br />coverage go beyond what is allowed by Code. Waataja further explained that it was staff s <br />opinion that no unique hardship has been presented which would justify expanding the <br />current home's footprint, given alternatives for an addition exist. Waataja indicated that <br />staffhad recommended the applicants consider building an attached garage with living <br />space above. <br />Mr. Labalt stated that, in his opinion, adding a second story to his small home would give <br />it the appearance of a silo and block the view of the lake to his neighbor to the rear. He <br />urged the Council to consider the fact that he lives next to a commercial property and that <br />his is a substandard lot when making their decision. He felt his proposal was the only way <br />to go and did not wish to build a three story tall home. <br />Acting Mayor Sansevcrc asked whether any hardships could be found with the topography <br />to support the expansion out versus upward. He, too, believed the effect would be a silo. <br />Waataja stated that staff could not find any unique hardship to warrant the request. She <br />pointed out that most of the new constructions around him were 2 '/i story homes without <br />variances. <br />Labalt stated that 'most* but not all meet the definition; however, he believed his <br />conditions were different. <br />Murphy asked what the City wished to accomplish, other than strict adherence to the <br />codes. <br />Waataja stated that the applicant could be in compliance by attaching his garage and <br />building a second story. <br />Gaffron stated that, currently, the applicant has made inefficient use of the property with <br />the detached garage, and GaHron would recommend the applicant design a tuck under style <br />garage. <br />McMillan pointed out that it is critical that the City maintain the integrity of the structural <br />coverage requirement when other options are available. <br />Acting Mayor Sansevcrc maintained that massing also occurs when properties ai'e forced to <br />build up and not just out. <br />Gaffron pointed out, that perhaps unfortunately, the Ordinances have encouraged people to <br />build up versus out based on hardcover restraints. He noted that, while the Planning <br />PAGE 7 of 16 <br />1