07-17-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION June 20, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. Libby said in general terms accessory buildings standing out in front of the primary structure, where they're highly visible and the size and the appearance of those buildings can be offensive to the general public, that the thought process of limiting to 1,000 square feet or having to put it in the back of the building makes sense. Libby said in this case even though it doesn't conform to code it is worthy of granting the variance, because nobody's going to see it. Commissioners discussed whether any conditions should be put on a motion for approval regarding grading and preserving trees. Ressler said if the application is denied it doesn't mean it stops. It would go on to the City Council. He said he thought it would be more proper to look at the ordinance language to see why this does not fit and he would plan to vote opposed. Libby moved, Kraemer seconded, to approve LA23-000025 Revision LLC, 165 Cristofori Circle, for variances to permit an Oversized Accessory Building on the property streetward of the principal building as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 3, Nays 2 (Erickson and Ressler). 6. LA23-000028 LOREN AND JULIA PARKS, 350 CRESTVIEW AVENUE, REQUESTS LOT AREA, FRONT YARD SETBACK, SIDE YARD SETBACK, REAR YARD SETBACK, AND 75 -FOOT CREEK SETBACK VARIANCES, AS WELL AS A VARIANCE FOR HARDCOVER WITHIN THE 75 -FOOT CREEK SETBACK IN ORDER TO REDEVELOP THE PROPERTY. City Planner Curtis said the applicants are requesting a number of variances in order to support the construction of a new home on the property. The applicant is proposing a two-story home with a full basement. The property is non -conforming in size. The small lot sizes and the impact of the 75 -foot Creek setback combine to make the lot nearly unbuildable, she said. The following variances for setbacks are requested: 27 -foot front yard setback; a 10 -foot side yard setback from the north side lot line, a 34.7 -foot rear setback, and a 39.4 setback from the creek. The new home plan was designed to minimize the hard cover within the creek setback as well, Curtis said. She added there have been calls and questions from neighbors but no public comments. Staff recommends approval of the variances as applied. Curtis said the planning commission should consider a recommendation for approval which includes the use of pervious paver materials for the proposed patio area in order to offset some of the stormwater impact within the creek setback. Julia and Loren Parks, 350 Crestview Ave., said they purchased the home several years ago. Prior to that, about 10 years ago, the pervious owners had put forth a building plan that had been approved. They tried to stay very close to the previous owner's plan. They have a family and are looking to build a home where they can raise their children in the community. They initially proposed building closer to the creek but moved the plan several feet toward the road with the creek set -back in mind. The proposed patio is within the existing footprint for the current house. They also said they have conditional approval from the watershed district. Acting Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. Page 7 of 8