Resolution 7432 Variance 3600 Casco Avenue

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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL 2. The Property is located in the LR-1 C One Family Lakeshore Residential Zoning District. 3. The Property contains 33,719 square feet in area and has a defined lot width of 137 feet at the 75- foot Lakeshore setback and a lot width of 112 feet at the OHWL. 4. The Property is within Tier 1 and hardcover is limited to 25 % according to the Stormwater Quality Overlay District. 5. Applicant has applied for the following variances: a. Average Lakeshore Setback b. Hardcover to exceed 25% 6. In considering this application for variances, the Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the Planning Commission and the effect of the proposed variances upon the health, safety and welfare of the community, existing and anticipated traffic conditions, light and air, danger of fire, risk to the public safety, and the effect on values of property in the surrounding area. ANALYSIS: I. "Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance ...." Due to the placement of the neighboring lots and homes there is an extreme average lakeshore setback that eliminates a reasonable building envelope. The neighboring lake views that are currently enjoyed should not be impacted by a new home built in a similar location. The uniquely shaped lot has a very long driveway that greatly impacts the overall hardcover on the site. If the lot had a standard driveway length, a hardcover variance would not be required. The proposed project is also impacted by a wide utility easement. The proposed home will meet the 75- foot lake setback and be in harmony with the neighboring homes. The construction of a new home is in harmony with the general intent of the Ordinance due to the practical difficulties present. This criterion is met. 2. "Variances shall only be permitted ... when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan." The variances resulting in a new single-family home is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The applicant has identified the necessary practical difficulties inherent to the land supporting their requests. The proposal will reduce the overall hardcover on the site which is consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. This criterion is met. 3. "Variances may be granted when. the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical. difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. `Practical difficulties,' as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that: