05-18-1987 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File #1143 May 14, 1987 Page 2 of 2 - Is behind front line of house, presuming west line of house is the front The lot area is such that the structure could be divided off with a 2- acre parcel, although that obviously is not applicant's intent. The structure appears to meet all the "regular lot requirements" as called for in Section 10.20, Subdivision 3 (G). The excess in floor area over 1,000 s.f. would not seem to be a problem given the intended use for vehicle storage and caretaker residence. This combination of uses is not unusual for the large estate properties in Orono. Is there a hardship shown? Would Planning Commission be more comfortable with such applications if the size of the structure is not a variance but controlled as a performance standard within the framework of an "oversize accessory structure conditional use"? Would Planning Commission support an amendment that makes accessory structures over 1,000 s.f. a conditional use rather than a variance, and relate the acceptable size of accessory structures to the lot area, setback, etc? This guest house will require a separate sewage system. Staff's review of the soils map indicates this will be feasible. Testing and system design will be required prior to building permit approval. Staff Rec<»nmendation - Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for a guest house use, conditioned on the standard conditions that it may not become a rental unit but is for the use of the occupants of the principal residence and their non-paying guests or domestic employees. Staff finds no objection to granting of the accessory structure size variance, but questions whether there is a hardship to justify that variance. Staff further urges Planning Cononission to consider whether it would be appropriate to allow oversize accessory structures as a conditional use permit rather than a variance. i mm