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