09-18-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION August 21, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Chris Bollis, Commissioners Mark McCutcheon, Jon Ressler, Bob Erickson, Gary Kraemer and Dennis Libby (arrived at about 7 p.m.). Representing Staff were Community Development Director Laura Oakden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City Planner Natalie Nye. Chair Bollis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Kraemer moved, McCutcheon seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 17, 2023 Ressler moved, Kraemer seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of July 17, 2023. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. LA23-000026 ESKUCHE DESIGN O/B/O DAN & HEIDI MARTINSON, 2605 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, REQUESTS BUILDING AND STRUCTURAL VARIANCES WITHIN THE 75 -FOOT LAKE SETBACK, HARDCOVER AND WETLAND SETBACKS IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A HOME ADDITION, AN IN -GROUND POOL, AND OTHER HARDCOVER AND STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the property has lakeshore on the south and an inlet creek connecting to French Lake which establishes a 75 -foot setback along both the south and west sides of the property resulting an approximate 5,000 square foot buildable area. The inlet is also classified as a protected wetland. The existing home on the property is located almost entirely within the 75 -foot lake setback, she said. The applicant is proposing to construct an addition to the home within the 75 -foot lake setback, new exterior walls under the lakeside deck, a new in -ground swimming pool, and new retaining walls, stairs, walkways, as well as other hardcover changes to the site within the 75 -foot setback. They are proposing to remove about 4,000 square feet of driveway, some of which would be converted to pool and pool patio areas and a portion would be covered by a new detached garage. They would add a six-foot high stone wall to surround the pool area on the inlet and street sides of the patio area within the setback. Overall hardcover would remain conforming but much is in the 75 -foot setback. The applicant has identified the unique configuration with lakeshore on two sides as a practical difficulty supporting the requested variances. Staff finds that the additional setback burden on the property resulting from the inlet does create practical difficulty, but the owners have reasonable use of the property within the existing principal building and have better alternatives for expansion or improvements. The proposed addition could be constructed in a more conforming location, she said. Staff recommends denial as submitted. The applicant is present, she said. Bollis asked if the inlet was public water and is that why there is a 75foot setback there because that seems restrictive, he said. Page 1 of 8