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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> January 17,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> The existing lot is substandard in size and width and the existing deck structure is within the average <br /> lakeshore setback and 75-foot lakeshore setback. The proposal is to expand the deck where the awning is <br /> currently which will create a new vertical encroachment into the required average lakeshore setback. The <br /> new deck will stay within the footprint of the existing deck and awning structure staying at its closest <br /> point 69 feet from the OHWL. The property is currently over the required hardcover limit of 25 percent <br /> so a variance is required. The applicant has provided supporting documentation regarding the applicable <br /> practical difficulties. Staff agrees with the applicant's assessment of practical difficulty being the <br /> substandard lot and configuration of the existing home on the property. The proposed deck will create a <br /> safe entryway to the home without increasing hardcover and staying within the existing footprint of the <br /> improvements.A neighbor acknowledgement form has been included in the packet but no other public <br /> comment has been received. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance as applied. <br /> Ressler asked if this proposal is building like kind. <br /> Nye said it is in the footprint but is not like kind. By expanding the deck,there are some new <br /> encroachments with these railings and new vertical encroachment.But the footprint doesn't change and <br /> staff doesn't believe it would be worsening the view for the neighbors. <br /> Brandon Bolduc,3365 Crystal Bay Road said they have a deck that's there by the garage and the awning. <br /> Everything is in disrepair.The handrails are not to code. The wood is falling apart and rotting. We're just <br /> trying to make it safe and have a front door to the house and preserve without tearing down and like so <br /> many others do. We're just trying to preserve and make it practical. <br /> Ressler asked about the actual setback including the stairs. <br /> Nye said the existing staircase also protrudes a bit. In order to create a staircase that's up to code it needs <br /> to extend further. <br /> Chair McCutcheon opened the public hearing at 6:29 p.m. There were no public comments. <br /> Chair McCutcheon closed the public hearing at 6:29 p.m. <br /> The Commissioners discussed the item. <br /> McCutcheon commented that the application does not seem like a big ask but rather an improvement. <br /> Ressler said he agrees there's not anything that can be done to make this conforming and yet it fits into <br /> what is already there.I'm in support as proposed. <br /> Commissioners asked additional questions about the design of the stairs in regard to code and how they it <br /> with the existing structure. <br /> Bolduc said the situation is just as the commissioners stated. The steps are not currently to code as the rise <br /> is too steep. <br /> Ressler pointed out even with redesigned stairs the design is still within the existing concrete area. <br /> Page 4 of 13 <br />