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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 1998 (#2413 Paul and Megan Bennett, continued) Weinberger stated in 1991 the City Council approved variances to construct a deck within required side yard, street yard, and back yard setbacks, and to allow 22 percent lot coverage by structures, with the condition that future proposals to increase lot coverage by adding structures on this property will not be looked upon favorably by the Council. The current application is proposing to increase structural coverage to 31 percent. Staff is recommending the Planning Commission review the previous resolution to determine how it applies to this proposal. Bennett stated he was not aware of the previous resolution until Friday night, and had submitted this application for the construction of a garage due to the fact that a garage currently does not exist on the property. Bennett stated currently they are forced to park on a gravel driveway and back out onto Dickenson, which raises safety concerns as well. Bennett remarked they would be willing to remove part of the deck and a landscaped play area as well in an effort to reduce hardcover. Chair Smith inquired whether the play structure would be relocated. Bennett stated at this time he is not sure whether it will be relocated. McMillan inquired whether there is a deck currently on the east side of the residence. Bennett stated there was a small deck, and they have experienced standing water in the driveway. Chair Smith inquired whether the deck or proposed garage could be reduced. Bennett stated originally he wanted a 24' by 24' garage and reduced it to 20' by 24', which in his opinion is a minimal-sized garage, but it could'possibly be reduced somewhat. Stoddard inquired whether the tax-forfeited piece of land located across the alley from this property was still available for sale. Bennett stated he thinks it is still available for sale. Stoddard inquired whether the Applicant would be willing to pursue purchase of that piece of property. Van Zomeren stated an accessory structure could not be constructed on that piece of property. Chair Smith inquired whether the Applicant would be willing to table this application to allow him time to investigate possible purchase of that piece of property. Bennett stated he can look into it. Chair Smith opened the hearing up for public comment. Dan Kluth, 2801 Fox Street, inquired what the applicant would be able to do with that additional lot. Van Zomeren stated the lot would be included in the calculations for structural coverage. Gaffron noted the piece of property was not a buildable lot. Bennett stated the land appears to be low land or wetland, and is not in favor of having a child cross the alley in order to access play equipment. Page 6