07-15-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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J • L MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 17,2002 6:30 o’clock p.m. (^02-2786 JOHN R. JONES. Continued) to. staff report Exhibit A. the bold face print which describes the general measurement for height and encouraged Mr. Jones to scale back his application to meet the description therein. Mr. Jones asked what the height would need to be scaled back to. Weinberger reminded the applicant that any added windows would be deemed a full third story and if the living space can be contained within the half-story with a typical roof s'yle it will likely meet the 30‘ height Jcquirement.. It is how the top story is used which changes the definition. Assuming the applicants want windows, Bremer asked Weinberger to clarify for Mr. Jones whether windows can be used at all. Weinberger stated that in this case, the use of windows at all designates a third story. By allowing people who typically just have attic space the opportunity to add windows to create additional li\ing space for themselves, allows the third story scenario that we want to discourage. Mr. Jones asked Weinberger to explain why some of the current new construction in Orono on Crystal Bay have windows on the half-story. Gaffron indicated that many of the homes Mr. Jones refers to under construction arc walkouts and will appear to be three stories from the lake. He did point out that some 20-30 year old homes like those on the end of Casco Point arc classic c.\amples of three levels plus window s up into the roof space, which look like castles towering out there. Tod; y, Gaffron noted, he could not recall any homes constructed recently that reflect this four story effect. Bellows pointed out to the applicant that in some of those instances he may be referring to, the site may simply offer more elbow room for that bulk than is at this location. She stated that Mr. Jones was simply asking for too much house for his lot. Bellows continued that it was irrelevant for him to cite other houses unless there w as one or more in particular that had the same kinds of constraints that his offered. Mr. Jones indicated that w hile his situation and piece of real estate might be unique, once again, he asked the Commission to define for him the parameters, w hich w ill allow him to get as much house as he can get. Bellows stated that the Commission was attempting to work w ith Mr. Jones and, in fact, they had indicated that the lot area and width variances were acceptable. She did state however that the Commission w as not satisfied with the height variance requested and had some concern over hardcover. Bellows continued that the Commission w ill not be satisfied until the applicant meets the definition as was outlined in Weinberger's recent memo. Mr. Jones took issue w ith and reiterated his need to understand what would be acceptable w ith regard to height. He repeated that up until this evening he had never heard anything about window restrictions and fully believed that he had met the definition as discussed in the last meeting. He felt that precedent had already been established all over the lake with windows on a half story and noted that during the last meeting, he specifically asked the Commission if he follow ed the 60% requirement as defined for a half PAGE 5 OF 29