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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2000 (#2559 Gilbert Gehle, Continued) Weinberger noted this property has appeared before the Planning Commission on a number of times for various variances over the years. In August of 1998, the City Council approved hardcover in the amount of 5,725 square feet in the south 0-75' setback and the 75-250' setback due to the fact the property is located on a peninsula and has two 0-75' setbacks. In April of 1999, the City Council approved 5,606 square feet of hardcover in the south 0-75' setback and the 75-250' setback, which is 119 square feet less than the first approval the previous year. Weinberger stated the property presently contains an existing residence and detached garage. The garage and driveway will be removed but will continue to utilize essentially the same access point that currently exists. Weinberger noted any change in access to the property would require variances due to the access to the property being located within the southerly 0-75' zone. Staff would agree that this limited access does place an undue hardship on the property. The proposed development meets all setback requirements. Weinberger stated the hardcover variances are related to the size of the proposed house, with the need for a variance being minimized in the 75-250' setback by a reduction in the size of the house. The southerly 0-75' hardcover variance as proposed is the minimum necessary to permit a driveway, and this is a factor unique to the property. Staff is recommending that no mature trees be removed within 75' feet of the lakeshore. Weinberger noted the proposed driveway location may require some loss of natural vegetation. City Staff is willing to work with the Applicant on the alignment of the driveway to help prevent any loss of mature trees. Gehle indicated he would like to have a walkout in the front, noting that the vast majority of the houses on the lake have a walkout. Weinberger stated Exhibit D shows a two story building with the lowest story being part of a walkout. The Applicant is not proposing to do any grading within 75' of the north lakeshore. The City's Comprehensive Plan discourages any changes to the natural grade along the lakeshore, which would occur if any grading should take place within 75' of the north lakeshore. Weinberger stated the proposed hardcover on the property is 5,738 square feet, which is 4.3 square feet short of the allowable 25 percent. Gehle stated he is willing to raise the elevation of the house if necessary, but would like to avoid that due to aesthetic appearances and creating a pedestal type look. Gehle pointed out a large amount of grading has occurred in the past in the middle of the lot, with a knoll existing by the trees. Gehle stated he would ike to retain the trees and reduce the knoll if possible. Gehle stated it will be necessary to remove one to two trees in order for the proposed driveway to be constructed. Gehle stated he would like to construct a front loading garage. Hawn inquired whether the Applicant was proposing to construct a path to the back side of the garage. Gehle stated the existing garage and driveway will be removed and replaced with vegetation. Weinberger stated he has a concern with the areas that are proposed to be redone, noting Staff was not informed they would be driving across the lawn. Hawn inquired whether there was any public comment regarding this application. A resident on Baldur Road expressed some concerns regarding potential drainage issues that may be created as a result of this project. Page 11 C 2of5