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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> April 17,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Kraemer said it looks like a good addition to the property and getting hardcover lowered overall is good. <br /> Kirchner moved,Libby seconded,to approve LA23-000008 1340 Vine Place,variances.VOTE: <br /> Ayes: 6,Nays 0. <br /> 3. LA23-000014 SUSANNE& MATTHEW JOHNSON, 1007 WILDHURST TRAIL, <br /> VARIANCE <br /> City Planner Curtis said the purpose of the application is to consider an average lakeshore setback <br /> variance on the newly oriented lot at 1007 Wildhurst Trail. The existing home at 1003 Wildhurst would <br /> remain and is not part of this application. The applicant is in the process of designing a new home for the <br /> 1007 lot. The homes on 1003 Wildhurst and 4455 West Branch Road create an average Lakeshore <br /> setback line bisecting the center of the subject lot. The applicant is requesting an average lakeshore <br /> setback variance to allow construction up to the 75-foot setback.Approval would be subject to the County <br /> approving the pending lot line changes. The applicants have identified the unique lake channel orientation <br /> for both the new lot and the adjacent lakeshore property on West Branch Road to the north as creating <br /> difficulties.Applicants are in attendance. Staff agrees with the applicants that the unique orientation of <br /> the properties along the lakeshore channels create an extreme average lakeshore setback across the subject <br /> property which is restricting development near the lake. Staff recommends the planning commission <br /> discuss whether the proposal fits within the character of neighborhood,whether practical difficulties exist, <br /> and whether or not there is any lake view impact to consider. Staff recommends approval. <br /> Bollis clarified that the proposal would meet the 75-foot setback but it's the average setback for which the <br /> variance is being requested. <br /> Matt Johnson, 1003 Wildhurst Trail,said there are currently three PIDs on this property. There is a large, <br /> undeveloped chunk of land purchased when there was talk of putting seven or eight houses in there and <br /> neighbors wanted to keep density lower. So in an effort to reduce the density of this area, his proposal <br /> was to bring it down to two lots. And then in doing so,the average lakeshore setback gets connected from <br /> the property to the north, and then connects to the property at 1003 Wildhurst Trail that he also owns. <br /> Average lakeshore setback was intended to preserve the lake views between neighbors and lake. <br /> Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. <br /> Kirchner said it reminded him of another case a few months ago. In reality, we are looking at a two-lot <br /> application here,not a three-lot. <br /> McCutcheon said if it was three we wouldn't be talking about this. One house is extremely on the west <br /> side but since they are combining,it's a lakeshore lot. Where the house is located now it makes a lot of <br /> sense.As you look at the neighborhood to the south they are all about that distance from the lake, so I <br /> think it fits the character of the neighborhood. <br /> Bollis said it goes back to the intent of the ordinance. I don't think it creates an issue with sight lines. <br /> Page 3 of 12 <br />