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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 20, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#7) #03-2965 SENNES DESIGN BUILD INC. ON BEHALF OF FRANZ AND KERSTEN JEVNE, 819 BROWN ROAD NORTH, VARIANCE (7:24-7:38 P.M.) Scott Sennes, the Applicant, was present. Curtis explained that the applicant is requesting a side yard setback variance in order to remodel an existing home on the existing foundation and to allow a garage within 24.1' feet of the side yard where 30' is required. The existing home is on a 1.0 acre property within a 2 acre zone. The applicants are proposing an extensive remodel of the home, adding additional living space while utilizing the existing foundation. Initially, the applicants were requesting a 10.7' setback from the side lot line where 30' is required. After discussions with staff, the applicants have revised their plan to extend no further into the side setback than existing resulting in the request for a 24.2' setback where 30' is required. The requested side yard setback variance of 5.8' is in order to utilize the existing foundation on the south side of the garage and continue the plane of the garage toward the rear yard to change the 3-stall front loading to a 2-stall front loading and a 1-stall side loading garage. The applicants have proposed this change as the result of the meetings with staff and their hope to minimize hardcover on the lot. Curtis laid out additional issues for consideration: 1. Is an upward expansion to create a garage with a ½ story bonus room above more intrusive in the substandard setback than the mere rearward expansion of a low one-story garage? Will either expansion have negative visual impacts? 2. Should this project be viewed as a remodel or a rebuild? If viewed as a rebuild, should it meet all zoning requirements, including setbacks? Under the proposed ordinance this would be considered a total rebuild. 3. Is the applicants' desire to reuse the existing foundation with a substandard setback considered a hardship? Curtis stated that the Planning Staff recommends approval of the side setback variance, to allow a side setback of 24.1' where 30' is required, in order to construct an expanded one- story garage with bonus room, on the existing foundation with the following stipulations: 1. All construction within the substandard setback shall be within the height and bulk envelopes shown on the attached plan. Mr. Sennes stated that it would be their intent to reuse the existing 12' concrete block foundation. Jim Pierpont, 1801 West Farm Road, interjected that the proposed improvements would be an enormous upgrade than what's currently there. Acting Chair Mabusth questioned whether the applicant was aware of the position of the most affected neighbor. Sennes stated that he had spoken to them and their feedback was favorable. PAGE 13 of53