07-17-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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Request In order to construct a deck on the back (lakeshore side) of our home, we are requesting the following: • An average lakeshore setback variance, and • A reconfiguration of hardcover requirements to remain near current level of less than 25%. Background Edwin & Tracey Stephenson purchased the home at 559 Park Lane in 2021. The previous homeowner did not disclose the hardcover requirements, the existing hardcover percentage, or the average lakeshore setback requirements. Currently, the home includes a pervious patio accessible from the basement on the lakeshore side of the home. This is the only way to access the backyard or lake without walking around from the front of the house. Edwin has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments with severe fatigue. During treatment and as we age, we would like to be able to access and enjoy the outside, lakeshore side, from the main level of the home. As we consider the deck size, we would like to have sufficient space for sitting at a table for our five (5) children, their spouses, and grandchildren. In order to achieve a reasonably sized deck, we are requesting an average setback variance and will rearrange hardcover (as described below) to provide enough hardcover allowance for the project. At Patrick Felton of Gordon James' recommendation, we met with Melanie Curtis on May 30, 2023, to review the City of Orono hardcover and setback requirements. The following documents were provided: • As -built survey (09/21/2016) with lakeshore setback variance. • Hardcover Calculation Worksheet (09/01/2015) showing 24.26% hardcover. • Hardcover Calculation Worksheet (09/21/2016) showing 24.49% hardcover. In general, our strategy is to reconfigure the hardcover requirements by (a) reducing the size of the driveway allowing us to (b) expand the area over the patio for a reasonable deck. The area of the driveway to be reduced was used by the previous homeowner for boat and trailer storage and is not needed by us. We intend to turn this area into flower beds and expanded grass. We do not plan to significantly change the hardcover.