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. usable. Because of the topography of the lot there is no other location. The bluff would fall off about six to 8 feet into the yard from the lake. The designer was also present and answered specific questions regarding footings. Erickson asked how much a two -foot difference would really make to their use of the patio. Houston said it is an oddly -shaped deck and once a table and grill is there it gets difficult to use. They were hoping to even the shape of the deck. She noted this was about the third version of the plan because they kept trying to minimize the encroachment on the bluff. Erickson noted a neighbor had sent an email supporting the project. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Bollis said he thought the applicant has made a good effort to propose a project that is limited in encroachment on the bluff. Removal of the lakeside pieces makes the situation better and would probably work if done in wintertime, he said, adding it is rare he disagrees with staff but supports this application. Mark McCutcheon said he could see the back and forth and based on where it is, the proposal is not egregious. He would agree to wiggle on this one, he said. The City has seen some of these bluff projects go bad so don't try to limit the footings, he added. Kraemer said he agreed with the other commissioners and the proposed plan for the footings. Ressler said it was worth noting that neighbors were in support. Kraemer moved, Libby seconded, to approve LA23-000042 4731 NORTH SHORE DRIVE Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 0. 7. LA23-000043 JALIN DESIGN, LLC - JEFF LINDGREN, 2726 CAROLINE AVENUE, REQUESTS AN AVERAGE LAKESHORE SETBACK VARIANCE TO PERMIT A ROOF EXPANSION. City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item explaining that in 2022 an average lakeshore setback variance was granted for additions and modifications to the existing home within the setback. After the approval, the owners decided on a new build instead. The variances granted remain in effect and overall the new home will comply with the zoning setbacks as well as the variance approvals. However, the new plans reflects a change in the roof shape, height, and mass within the average lakeshore setback which will require a new average lakeshore setback variance, according to Curtis, although there are no new footprint encroachments. The applicant has identified the shoreline, the adjacent homes, and the shape and orientation of the property as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance. Staff agrees that the location of the existing home with respect to the shoreline and the home to the north contribute to the practical difficulty on this property and the curve of the shoreline also creates a challenge. Supportive Page 7 of 8