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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 16, 2005 6:00 o'clock p.m. 2. #05-3102 KATHRYN ALEXANDER ON BEHALF OF J. SVEN GUSTAFSON, 920 BROWN ROAD SOUTH, VARIANCES, 6:56 P.M. -7:23 P.M. J. Sven Gustafson, Applicant, was present. Rick and Janet Francis, property owners, were present. Gaffron noted a letter was received from Katluyn Alexander supporting her position regarding the request for variances. Gaffron stated at the last Pla1U1ing Commission meeting the applicants had proposed side setback variances on both sides to allow a new home to be located 15.5 feet from the north side lot line and 15 feet from the south side lot line. The applicants have since revised their plans and are now proposing a north side setback of 18 feet where 30 feet would normally be required in addition to lot area and lot width variances. The applicants have eliminated the request for a south side setback variance. Staff recommends approval of the lot width and lot area variances. Staff is recommending that the Planning Conm1ission discuss the revised plans and detem1ine whether there is hardship or justification for the side lot setback variance. Gaffi:on noted at the last meeting a discussion was had regarding the long narrow lot and how the same size footprint, without the side yard setback, would make the house longer and have a greater view impact on the neighbors. Gaffi:on stated the applicants are willing to remove two trees to relocate the driveway to meet the five-foot setback from the south lot line. Gaffron noted there are no hardcover or strnctural issues on this property. Gustafson stated they have taken the Planning Commission's comments into consideration and have revised their proposal to limit a variance on only one side of the property. Gustafson indicated he would prefer to split the distance between both sides of the property line. Gustafson stated the trees that they are proposing to remove are cottonwoods and that the neighbors are not opposed to the removal. Gustafson distributed three different footprints of the type of home the property owners would prefer to be built on this lot. Gustafson indicated the neighbors are not particularly in favor of the house designs given the length of the house. Gustafson stated in his opinion the neighbors would prefer the difference be split and the house made wider, which is also the property owner's preference. Rahn stated it appears that the survey conflicts with the original floor plan and questioned whether the deck and porch would encroach into the side yard setback. Rahn stated he would not be in favor of approving a deck or a porch if it encroaches into the side yard setback. Rahn stated Exhibits B 1 and B2 show the deck located outside of the dining room and the screen porch encroaching. Gustafson agreed they do appear to be inconsistent. Rahn stated he does not have a major issue with the garage encroaching but would not be in support of the deck or porch encroaching into the side yard setback. Ralm noted the neighbor to the north had asked that the home not encroach any closer than 24 feet. PAGE7