05-08-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION April 17, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. LA23-000014 SUSANNE & MATTHEW JOHNSON, 1007 WILDHURST TRAIL, VARIANCE City Planner Curtis said the purpose of the application is to consider an average lakeshore setback variance on the newly oriented lot at 1007 Wildhurst Trail. The existing home at 1003 Wildhurst would remain and is not part of this application. The applicant is in the process of designing a new home for the 1007 lot. The homes on 1003 Wildhurst and 4455 West Branch Road create an average Lakeshore setback line bisecting the center of the subject lot. The applicant is requesting an average lakeshore setback variance to allow construction up to the 75-foot setback. Approval would be subject to the County approving the pending lot line changes. The applicants have identified the unique lake channel orientation for both the new lot and the adjacent lakeshore property on West Branch Road to the north as creating difficulties. Applicants are in attendance. Staff agrees with the applicants that the unique orientation of the properties along the lakeshore channels create an extreme average lakeshore setback across the subject property which is restricting development near the lake. Staff recommends the planning commission discuss whether the proposal fits within the character of neighborhood, whether practical difficulties exist, and whether or not there is any lake view impact to consider. Staff recommends approval. Bollis clarified that the proposal would meet the 75-foot setback but it’s the average setback for which the variance is being requested. Matt Johnson, 1003 Wildhurst Trail, said there are currently three PIDs on this property. There is a large, undeveloped chunk of land purchased when there was talk of putting seven or eight houses in there and neighbors wanted to keep density lower. So in an effort to reduce the density of this area, his proposal was to bring it down to two lots. And then in doing so, the average lakeshore setback gets connected from the property to the north, and then connects to the property at 1003 Wildhurst Trail that he also owns. Average lakeshore setback was intended to preserve the lake views between neighbors and lake. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Kirchner said it reminded him of another case a few months ago. In reality, we are looking at a two-lot application here, not a three-lot. McCutcheon said if it was three we wouldn’t be talking about this. One house is extremely on the west side but since they are combining, it’s a lakeshore lot. Where the house is located now it makes a lot of sense. As you look at the neighborhood to the south they are all about that distance from the lake, so I think it fits the character of the neighborhood. Bollis said it goes back to the intent of the ordinance. I don’t think it creates an issue with sight lines. Kirchner said the property is heavily wooded. Because of woods I don’t even know what sight lines would be there. Libby said staff has done a good job and given us a lot of good information. The applicant has tried to position the house so does not obstruct any other lake views. I’m in favor of this but we still have to have the County to chime in on this because of the subdivision of the lot. Libby moved, Kraemer seconded, to approve LA23-000014, 1007 Wildhurst Trail, variance. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0.