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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />CITY OF ORONO <br />RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br /> <br />NO. 7479 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />1. “Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent <br />of the ordinance . . . .” The variances for the construction of an addition to an existing home on a <br />substandard parcel are supported by practical difficulties. The existing home is currently bisected <br />by the 75-foot lake setback, average lakeshore setback, and rear yard setback. The property is also <br />over the allowable hardcover. The proposal includes an addition of a garage bay, second floor living <br />space and an expanded driveway to serve the addition. A parking pad will be removed as part of <br />the project. The increase in hardcover, 42.12% of the lot, is necessary to increase the usability and <br />livability of the existing home and is consistent with the neighborhood. The construction of the <br />addition is in harmony with the general intent of the Ordinance due to the practical difficulties of <br />the substandard lot size, substandard lot width, and existing conditions present. This criterion is <br />met. <br /> <br />2. “Variances shall only be permitted . . . when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive <br />plan.” The variances resulting in an addition to an existing home is consistent with the <br />Comprehensive Plan. The applicant has identified the necessary practical difficulties inherent to <br />the land supporting their requests. This criterion is met. <br /> <br />3. “Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical <br />difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. ‘Practical difficulties,’ as used in connection with <br />the granting of a variance, means that: <br />a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, <br />however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls. <br /> <br />The construction of an addition to an existing home is a reasonable use of the property. <br />The proposed addition is minimal and provides the homeowner with additional parking <br />space and storage which is currently lacking. This criterion is met. <br /> <br />b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the <br />landowner. <br /> <br />The lot is substandard in area and width and includes the right-of-way of Crystal Bay Road. <br />The applicant is proposing to construct a small addition that will expand the garage and <br />provide needed storage. The small lot size, substandard width, and existing improvements, <br />such as Crystal Bay Road, are not the result of the current property owner’s actions; and <br /> <br />c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.” <br /> <br />The proposed variances resulting in the construction of an addition are supported by <br />practical difficulties and will not alter the character of the area. The neighborhood along <br />Crystal Bay Road is redeveloping and many of the properties require variances. The <br />proposed home is in line with the neighboring homes along the street and requesting a <br />39