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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 21, 2016 6:30 o'clock p .m. Santrach commented he has seen a number of people here tonight asking for similar variances and be approved. Santrach stated while those were not a clean sheet design, he does not see any difference. Santrach stated if he had been shown something about a clean sheet, they likely would have gone a different direction with their design. Gaffron noted the applicants' design team has gone through the variance process many times with the City and that the usual goal with a clean sheet is to have the property conform as much as possible. Gaffron stated under City Code, the property is allowed 25 percent hardcover. Schoenzeit stated because this is a clean sheet, the applicants have ample opportunity to make their design compliant, and that the amount of hardcover that is allowed should be plenty. Leskinen asked if he would prefer the Planning Commission table their application so they can redesign their proposal or whether he would like to take this discussion in front of the City Council. Santrach indicated they are not interested in tabling their application. Lemke stated the point is that the Planning Commission agrees with the average lakeshore setback variance but that they would like to see the hardcover reduced. Thiesse commented he is struggling with this one and that the hardcover is close to the limit. Leskinen stated she also can see both sides of this. Thiesse stated off-street parking is important in this situation and that any visitors to the property have to walk a considerable distance. Thiesse stated the applicants could keep the proposed driveway but reduce the size of the house. Schoenzeit stated a 4,100 square footprint for a house is not a small structure. Schoenzeit noted on the other applications earlier tonight the lots were smaller. Thiesse noted the hardcover down by the lake was also not removed. Schoenzeit stated a lot of people would love to have a boathouse and a deck or patio down by the lake. Thiesse stated the applicants need to demonstrate a practical difficulty. Leskinen stated given the location of the property on Bohns Point and the lack of on-street parking, someone could see that as a practical difficulty. Thiesse noted this is one of the smaller lots on Bohns Point. Thiesse moved, Olson seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 16-3814, Alexander Design Group on behalf of Peter and Melissa Santrach, 1700 Bohns Point Road, granting of a hardcover variance and an average lakeshore setback variance. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 2, Schoenzeit and Lemke opposed. Page 13 of 21