05-15-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION April 17, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. and make it extend almost to where that existing garage is. And we felt like that would just be a really big impediment on the neighboring property because you'd have two full stories. McCutcheon said he would support additional hardcover for the sake of safety but added that since it's a partially shared driveway the hardcover could really be split between two neighbors. Bollis said he did not like the idea that we're affecting the neighbor's safety and turn -around ability. He also pointed out the exhibits depicted a regular passenger car, not a truck or delivery vehicle. Kirchner said that is exactly what he was going to say. It appears a passenger vehicle can be turned around. But what about a larger vehicle? Libby said he felt that there needs to be additional discussions with neighboring property owners. He asked if the easement was recorded. McCutcheon said he would be interested in seeing if it could be made to work to satisfy the neighbor's easement and concerns. He also asked if there was enough data to give guidance on a three -car garage versus a two -car garage. Kirchner said he couldn't see how changing the size of the garage would change its proximity to the roadway. Bollis said he thought a three -car garage was fine. The piece that's missing to me is that easement piece with the neighbor. So I'm not in favor of it, the way it's presented. Bollis moved, Libby seconded, to table LA23-000017, 746 Tonkawa Road, variances as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 7. LA23-000019 AS DESIGNS, 1940 SHADYWOOD ROAD, VARIANCE Curtis said the property is located along the Coffee Channel and is completely within the 75 -foot lake setback. The applicant is requesting variances in order to construct a new home on the existing foundation with a full two-story design including variances for side lot setback, hardcover, 75 -foot and average lakeshore setbacks. The applicant has identified the existing home location, the lot's orientation to the channel, its small size and the mature oak and maple trees near the channel as practical difficulties supporting their requested variances. Curtis said the lot has no buildable envelope for conforming development. The small lot size and the owner's desire to preserve the mature trees along the channel also create development obstacles. A lot area variance is also required in order to develop the property consistent with other existing developed properties in the neighborhood. The plan will increase the hardcover from 27.9% to 28.9. Staff recommends the planning commission discuss whether it is reasonable to permit the further expansion for a second story so close to the property line and whether the second story should be required to be pushed slightly to the south in order to align with the majority of the homes. The applicant is here. Page 9 of 12