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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />August 21, 2023 <br />6:00 o'clock p.m. <br />City Planner Nye gave a presentation on the item, stating the applicant is requesting an average lakeshore <br />setback variance to construct a new screened in porch addition on top of an existing deck. The existing <br />deck encroaches into the average lakeshore setback by approximately 5 feet. The existing deck meets all <br />other setback requirements including the 75 -foot lake setback. The proposed screened -in porch addition <br />will maintain the 75 -foot lake setback and will not impact hardcover but would create a vertical <br />encroachment so requires a variance. The property currently meets the hardcover requirements with the <br />hardcover at approximately 21 percent of the lot and that would not change. The applicant has identified <br />the existing conditions of the property as a practical difficulty adding the home is situated on the property <br />in such a way that the screened -in porch expansion would not impact the lake views of the neighboring <br />property. Staff agrees that the expansion of the screened- in porch on top of the existing deck will not <br />negatively impact lake views for the neighboring property and recommends approval. The applicant is <br />available, she said. <br />The applicant was present but staff had no additional questions. <br />Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. <br />There were no public comments. <br />Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. <br />Kraemer said he would be in favor of the application. <br />Ressler said staff had done a nice job on the information and it is not an egregious change. <br />Ken Tempero, 3265 Bohns Point Lane and the nearest neighbor, said his house is oriented differently and <br />the way the lakeshore runs it will not impact their view of the lake and in fact may cut down on the noise <br />from Highway 51. <br />Kraemer moved, Erickson seconded, to approve LA23-000037 3260 Bohns Point Lane Variances. <br />VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 0. <br />4. LA23-000038 JOAT LLC — JACK EVANS, 1920 CONCORDIA STREET, REQUESTS A <br />FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A NEW FRONT STOOP. <br />City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item, stating the property owner constructed the home at <br />1920 Concordia Street in approximately 1972. The home was built at the 30 -foot front yard setback <br />leaving little room for more than a minimal stoop. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing small <br />concrete stoop and replace it with an 8 foot by 8 -foot deck. The existing stoop is about 27 feet from front <br />property line. The new proposed deck would be 22 -feet from the line. The intent is to create a small <br />outdoor space and to provide a larger landing to support an accessible ramp. The applicant has provided <br />supporting documentation regarding practical difficulties. Staff finds the location of the existing home at <br />the building setback line creates difficulties for supporting anything larger than the building -code required <br />minimum 4 foot by 3 -foot entry stoop. Letters and calls of support from neighbors have been received. <br />Staff recommends approval as applied. <br />Kathy Weist, 1920 Concordia Street, said her father lives at the address. He is 85 years old and although <br />he can still walk, has a hard time getting up the step. All the neighbors are in support. <br />Page 4 of 8 <br />