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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR JANUARY 19. 2000 <br />(#2566 Barbara and Collins Cavender, Continued) <br />City Staff is recommending approval of the variances for lot area to create a buildable tot. <br />Staff has concerns regarding the amount of total structural coverage on the property as the <br />City of Orono has been consistent in requiring lots not to exceed 15 percent coverage. The <br />total proposed coverage by the Applicant is 17.4 percent. The Applicant's rational for the <br />coverage to exceed the Code requirement is replacement of existing coverage on the develop^ <br />lot and 15 percent of the vacant lot. Weinberger stated if the application is approved, a condition <br />of approval would be to have the lots combined into one tax parcel prior to recording the <br />variance on the chain of title. <br />Mr. Cavender indicated they are attempting to construct a new house on the combined <br />lots which will fit in with the neighborhood and add value to the neighborhood. Cavender <br />noted the new residence will be located out of the right-of-way for Rest Point Road. <br />Cavender stated the hardship they are experiencing with this property is the small lot size, <br />which is limiting the number of options available for placement and size of the structure. <br />Cavender stated the setback from the lake is consistent with the other structures located in <br />this area. <br />Hawn commented the size of the lot really is not considered a hardship. <br />Kluth stated the Applicants are close to the 15 percent structural coverage standard, and <br />inquired whether the house could be downsized somewhat to meet the City's limit. <br />Mrs. Cavender stated they have been working with their architect in an attempt to downsize <br />the house. <br />Bob Boyer. Building Contractor, stated an additional hardship for the Planning Commission to <br />consider is the fact that the original structures in this area were built as cabins and not as <br />year-round residences. Due to subsequent changes in the ordinances, hardships were <br />created. Boyer stated the lots in this area will never be able to meet the setback requirements. <br />Boyer stated they have attempted to limit the amount of structural coverage as well as <br />the hardcover. <br />Robert Bredeson. 1410 Rest Point Road, stated he has lived in this area for over 80 years, <br />and all the homes in this area are all located within 25 to 30 feet of the lake and all have <br />similar hardcover to what is being proposed. Bredeson commented the new residence <br />will be constructed out of the right-of-way and will complement the neighborhood. Bredeson <br />noted the existing residence has not been well maintained. Bredeson stated he is in support <br />of this project. <br />Mrs. Cavender presented pictures to the Planning Commission of the existing residence. <br />There were no further comments regarding this application. <br />Hawn commented in her view the proposed residence is an improvement over what currently <br />exists. Hawn noted the City historically adheres to its 15 percent structural coverage limit <br />as well as the 25 percent hardcover limit. Hawn stated due to the size of the lot. the proposed <br />residence will not be able to meet the lakeshore setback. Hawn stated she would be <br />reluctant to approve structural coverage over 15 percent. <br />Smith commented the Applicants clearly will not be able to comply with all of the City's <br />Page 27