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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 16, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#04-3010 Theodore Capra, continued) reduce hardcover. The applicant has submitted a number of plans that have included both an attached garage and a detached garage as well as relocating the residence closer to the road but has been unable to reduce the proposed hardcover to 25 percent. The Planning Commission reviewed an overhead of the proposed footprint. Gundlach indicated the applicant is proposing to construct a two and a half story residence consisting of a house footprint of 2288 square feet with an attached 720 square feet three-car garage and with the proposed hardcover at 30 percent. Gundlach noted the amount of proposed hardcover has been reduced slightly from the previous plan. Gundlach stated the revised plan has the same basic footprint, smaller deck, smaller garage, and no porch. The existing detached garage located by the road and the shed will be removed as part of the construction. Capra noted at the last Planning Commission meeting he had indicated in his opinion the small road at the back of his property was a hardship. Capra indicated the road was in existence at the time he purchased the property. Capra stated he has met all of the City's requirements except for the hardcover and that in his opinion being required to reduce the size of the house is penalizing him. Capra indicated he has revised his plans to the point where the proposed residence is not what he would like to construct. Capra indicated he understands the need to limit hardcover along the lake in an effort to reduce runoff, but he is unable to reduce the amount of hardcover being proposed. Capra pointed out the property at 1740 Shadywood Road was allowed 38 or 39 percent hardcover, and requested the Planning Commission reconsider his application. Capra suggested the City consider increasing the amount of hardcover allowed within the City to 30 percent. There were no public comments regarding this application. Rahn stated he understands how the applicant feels. Capra stated he does not feel the proposed residence is out of line for that lot and that the lot would be improved with the new construction. Bremer stated to her recollection the lot located on Shadywood is a very narrow lot. Capra noted the lot is 82 feet. Capra stated that property owner was also aware of the road but yet the Planning Commission determined a hardship existed. Gundlach indicated that the property the applicant is referring to had over half of its acreage located in the 0-7 5' zone, which was the primary basis for granting the variance. Capra indicated he is aware that he is not comparing apples to apples. Bremer commented there are many examples where the Planning Commission has required applicants to reduce the amount of hardcover to 25 percent on lots that are similar to Mr. Capra's. Bremer indicated the City Council is the final authority. PAGE4