Project Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 15, 2007 6:00 o'clock p.m. type variance is requested to allow the addition to be constructed on post footings rather than a perimeter foundation. Retaining wall height, location, and hardcover variances are also requested. The existing seasonal dwelling on the property was constructed in 1968. It is a 702 square foot cabin on a post foundation with a 312 square foot lakeside deck At the lake side the floor is about seven feet above grade. At the rear the floor is roughly at grade. The crawl space under the cabin is enclosed. The entire structure is within the 75-foot setback. The deck is 35 feet from the lake at one comer and 33.8 feet at the other. The dwelling is legal non-conforming. State statutes would allow the cabin to be totally reconstructed in its current form with a perimeter foundation or a post foundation. A variance would be required to convert the crawl space to living space between it would be an expansion of the use and the cabin would need to be raised several feet to provide adequate ceiling height. A septic system has recently been installed and some additional grading and construction of a retaining wall is necessary. Retaining walls in the seasonal recreational district are restricted to 42 inches in height and the applicants are proposing 48 inches. The City Engineer has determined that the retaining wall should be constructed at 48 inches in height. heJ~l-J+ ~ IOGl\li""' Planning Staff recommends approval of the retaining wall within tae 75 250 fGot hooe and approval of the other variances with conditions if the Planning Commission determines it appropriate to grant them. In addition, Planning Staff would like the Planning Commission to consider whether there are ways to mitigate the visual and water quality impacts of the variances. For structural reasons the entire structure should be on the same type of foundation. Staff does not have a position on the foundation type variance. The reasons for requiring a perimeter foundation are unclear and only in the recreational season district are perimeter foundations required. Both types of foundation have frost footings. Ross Langhans stated the applicants would like to add some space to accommodate their family. Langhans noted he did work with Staff on upgrading the septic system and that as a result of the work on the septic system, a retaining work is required and they will be submitting the required engineering for the retaining wall. PAGE 18